Airbus looks to revolutionize air cargo with new A350F – Crawford Hamilton discusses industry’s future

Crawford Hamilton, the head of freighter marketing at Airbus, is emphasizing the urgent need for sustainability in the air cargo industry by replacing current heavy freighters. Airbus has introduced the A350F, a next-generation production line variant set to compete with Boeing’s B777-8F, with anticipated delivery by 2025. Hamilton dismisses the idea that Airbus is inexperienced in maindeck cargo capacity, highlighting their history of Airbus freighters in the 1990s and partnerships in passenger to freighter conversions.

Hamilton points out the increasing demand for freighters due to the rise in e-commerce and express mail, prompting Airbus to consult with potential A350F customers to tailor the aircraft to their needs. The A350F, based on the A350-1000 passenger aircraft, offers commonality in spares and flight crew operations, making it an attractive choice for airlines. In terms of sustainability, the A350F, built with carbon fiber materials, offers significant fuel savings and lower carbon emissions compared to current models, ensuring economic viability for freighter operators.

While Airbus has developed specialized heavylift freighters like the Beluga ST and Beluga XL, a new design specifically for the heavylift sector may not be economically feasible due to market size and costs. The decision to exclude a cargo nose-door option on the A350F is based on limited market demand and added complexity and weight. Despite this, Airbus remains focused on providing innovative and sustainable solutions for the air cargo industry moving forward.