US aircraft lessor air Lease has confirmed the cancellation of its Airbus A350 freighter order, citing delays and uncertainty in the cargo market, reports London's Flight Global.
Air Lease had originally ordered seven A350Fs as a launch customer in late 2021, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026. However, Airbus has pushed back service entry to the second half of 2027, prompting the lessor to withdraw from the programme.
Chief executive John Plueger said most of the aircraft were contractually more than a year late. He also noted that operators have grown cautious about committing to dedicated freighters amid fluctuating tariffs and broader cargo market volatility.
Plueger said the decision to cancel the order would release more than US$1 billion in capital commitments, which Air Lease intends to redirect toward passenger aircraft acquisitions. He added that the company remains focused on shareholder value and disciplined purchasing.
Despite the cancellation, Plueger described the A350F as a 'terrific freighter' but emphasised that demand for passenger aircraft remains strong. Air Lease has opted to concentrate on new passenger models rather than expand into freighter operations.
At mid-year, Air Lease had commitments for 241 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including 10 Boeing 787s, 64 737 Max jets, 130 A320neo-family aircraft, 36 A220s, and one A330neo. The orderbook is fully placed through 2026, with limited availability for 2027.
SeaNews Turkey
Air Lease had originally ordered seven A350Fs as a launch customer in late 2021, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026. However, Airbus has pushed back service entry to the second half of 2027, prompting the lessor to withdraw from the programme.
Chief executive John Plueger said most of the aircraft were contractually more than a year late. He also noted that operators have grown cautious about committing to dedicated freighters amid fluctuating tariffs and broader cargo market volatility.
Plueger said the decision to cancel the order would release more than US$1 billion in capital commitments, which Air Lease intends to redirect toward passenger aircraft acquisitions. He added that the company remains focused on shareholder value and disciplined purchasing.
Despite the cancellation, Plueger described the A350F as a 'terrific freighter' but emphasised that demand for passenger aircraft remains strong. Air Lease has opted to concentrate on new passenger models rather than expand into freighter operations.
At mid-year, Air Lease had commitments for 241 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including 10 Boeing 787s, 64 737 Max jets, 130 A320neo-family aircraft, 36 A220s, and one A330neo. The orderbook is fully placed through 2026, with limited availability for 2027.
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