French logistics firm CMA CGM Group has become the second customer for the new Airbus A350 freighter after signing a memorandum of understanding covering the purchase of four of the type.
The aircraft will be operated by the group’s recently launched cargo unit CMA CGM Air Cargo.
The commitment, which Airbus expects to be finalised in the “coming weeks”, comes days after Air Lease placed the first provisional order for the type during the Dubai air show. Air Lease is taking seven A350Fs.
Airbus chief commercial officer Christian Scherer says: ”We are proud to welcome CMA CGM Air Cargo in the group of operators for the A350F and we are equally pleased to support the company’s future strategic development.
”Having an early endorsement by such an international cargo powerhouse as the CMA CGM Group is very gratifying.”
CMA CGM already operates five A330-200Fs. The French logistics firm in September also detailed plans to add a pair of Boeing 777 freighters.
