Airbus sees Malaysia opportunity for A350 freighter

KUALA LUMPUR - Airbus believes the Malaysian aviation industry could benefit from the A350 freighter aircraft (A350F), as the country boosts its position in high-value manufacturing and regional logistics. Airbus Asia Pacific president Anand Stanley highlighted that Malaysia's semiconductor and other critical industries, along with its central location between major Asian markets, could drive demand for new-build freighters.

This demand includes both replacement needs for current freighters and growth opportunities as cargo volumes for high-value goods continue to expand. Stanley expressed Airbus' enthusiasm for potential Malaysian-based carriers considering the A350F, stating that the airline industry in Malaysia currently utilizes new-build freighters for transporting high-value goods and anticipates further replacements in the future.

Moreover, the country's role as a hub between China, India, and the ASEAN region further supports the demand for the A350F. Stanley informed Business Times that Airbus anticipates total demand for new freighter aircraft to surpass 2,600 deliveries over the next two decades, with approximately 935 of these being new-build freighters.

Within this period, around 250 new-build freighters are expected to be manufactured in the Asia Pacific region. Stanley emphasized that Asia Pacific is a crucial market for the A350F due to the presence of significant cargo hubs, high export volumes, and demand from airlines operating long-haul freighter routes. Several Asian carriers, including Air China Cargo, Cathay Cargo, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, and Starlux, have already placed orders for the aircraft.

Stanley attributes the growth in demand among Asia Pacific cargo carriers to increasing cargo, trade, and export activities.