The competition between Airbus and Boeing in the freighter aircraft market is heating up, with both companies unveiling their latest offerings: the Airbus A350F and the Boeing 777-8F. While both aircraft are poised to revolutionize air cargo, the question remains: which freighter will emerge as the bigger success?
The A350F, an all-cargo version of Airbus’s popular A350, is set to begin its first flights later this year, with an expected entry into service with Singapore Airlines in 2026. This marks a significant milestone for Airbus, as the A350F has the potential to challenge Boeing’s long-standing dominance in the freighter market. Airbus has already secured a similar number of orders as Boeing for the A350F, giving it a solid footing in the cargo segment. With next-generation specifications, including improved fuel efficiency, greater payload capacity, and a range suited for long-haul routes, the A350F is positioned as a formidable competitor to the Boeing 777-8F.
Meanwhile, Boeing’s 777-8F, the successor to the widely popular 777F, faces delays due to ongoing issues with the 777X program. As a result, the 777-8F is not expected to enter service until the latter half of the decade. While Boeing has historically dominated the air cargo market with its freighter versions of the B747, B757, B767, and B777, the delayed arrival of the 777-8F gives Airbus an important first-mover advantage. Cargo operators looking to modernize their fleets in the near future will likely gravitate toward the A350F as it becomes available sooner.
Despite the A350F’s advanced features and the opportunity to capture market share, Boeing’s long history in the cargo market is a significant factor that could tilt the scales in its favor. Many cargo operators have built strong loyalty to Boeing over the decades, benefiting from the commonality of the B777 family and the widespread availability of parts and service for Boeing freighters. The familiarity of Boeing’s aircraft and the ease of maintaining a fleet of similar aircraft types remains an attractive proposition for many operators, especially those already operating the 777F.
As the A350F begins its journey towards service entry and the 777-8F faces further delays, the battle for dominance in the freighter market is far from over. Airbus may have the advantage of entering the market earlier, but Boeing’s strong relationships with cargo operators and the proven success of its freighter family cannot be overlooked. Ultimately, the success of each freighter will depend on the evolving needs of cargo operators, their preference for fleet commonality, and the performance of the aircraft once they enter service.
In the coming years, it will be fascinating to see which of these next-generation freighters will dominate the skies, as both Airbus and Boeing strive to reshape the future of air cargo.