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Singapore Airlines signs Letter of Intent for seven A350 freighters with five options
December 17th 2021
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will become the first airline to operate the A350 freighter after it signed a Letter of Intent to buy seven of the recently launched type and options for another five. Read More » The agreement includes a swap with 15 A320neo and two A350-900 passenger aircraft in the SIA Group order book. SIA said the arrangement will allow it to manage its capital expenditure while continuing with its essential freighter renewal program. The Rolls-Royce powered A350F can carry a similar volume of cargo as the 747-400F, which it will replace in the SIA fleet, but it burns up to 40% less fuel on similar missions and offers a longer range. The order reflected its continued dedication to the air cargo segment as a core business while supporting its sustainability goals. SIA Group CEO, Goh Choon Phong, said the deal ensured the group was prudent with its capital expenditure, adjusting its passenger aircraft order book to give it the flexibility needed to navigate uncertainties in the COVID recovery trajectory. “The pandemic has underscored the importance of investing in the cargo business, and bolstering the SIA Group’s diverse revenue streams,’’ he said. “SIA’s is the world’s largest operator of the A350, with 56 aircraft in service across its network. The agreement with Singapore Airlines is the third commitment received for the new A350F over the past month.
