Martinair, the operating carrier for KLM Cargo, has placed a firm order for four new A350F sustainable freighter aircraft with Airbus.

The Airbus A350F model is the freighter version of the A350. Lighter materials have been used wherever possible in combination with the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, resulting in 40% less carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, 20% less fuel use, and half the noise production of its predecessors.

From the second half of 2026 on, the four new A350F will replace the Boeing 747 freighters currently in use by Martinair. Indeed, new International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) emission standards will be coming into effect by the end of 2027. This new freighter model meets the new standards.

This aircraft can carry a wide variety of cargo, ranging from fresh produce, express shipments, and pharmaceuticals, to oversized cargo and horses. This latest model also has a payload 3 tonnes higher, and 11% more cargo volume capacity, compared to earlier models. The maximum payload of the chosen configuration is 108 tonnes.

“Fleet renewal is an important part of KLM’s ambition to become more sustainable. In this, we take our responsibility. We want to emit less CO2 because of the climate and reduce noise for local residents. The A350F reduces CO2 by over 40% and noise by 50% compared to their predecessors. That is why we decided to place this order earlier than originally planned,” stated Marjan Rintel, CEO of KLM.