SIA’s selection of A350F is ‘huge endorsement’ for programme, says Airbus sales chief

Airbus sales chief Christian Scherer believes Singapore Airlines’ endorsement of the A350 Freighter will help the airframer capture additional sales for the new cargo variant of its widebody twin. Speaking on the eve of the Singapore air show, Scherer said it was extremely “satisfying” that SIA had tentatively selected the A350F to replace its fleet of Boeing 747-400 Freighters. “It’s a huge endorsement for us,” he says, “but that’s just the beginning.” SIA in December signed a letter of intent for seven units of the A350F. Scherer says the market is “very excited” about the new freighter, deliveries of which are due to commence in 2025. Changes to the global freight market since the onset of the pandemic have seen logistics firms and forwarders investing in dedicated cargo aircraft, partly in response to the reduction of belly-hold capacity from fewer long-haul passenger flights. Nonetheless, Scherer believes “that tendency will remain” in the longer term, even as international passenger travel recovers.<br/>