Airlines urge Boeing and Airbus to develop a new medium-capacity cargo aircraft as the 767F's future is uncertain, with the 787F and A330F-neo in discussion.
Airlines seek new medium freight aircraft
Airlines and industry professionals are calling on Boeing and Airbus to develop a new medium-capacity cargo aircraft, according to FlightGlobal. This comes as Boeing plans to finish deliveries of its 767F by 2027, but the future of this aircraft category is uncertain.Medium freighters fill a niche
In air freight, not all needs are measured in hundreds of tons. Medium-capacity freighters, like the Boeing 767-300F, operate between smaller converted single-aisle aircraft and larger intercontinental twin-engine planes. The 767-300F has a maximum payload of 57 tons and a range of about 6,110 kilometers, positioning it for e-commerce and express freight.End of the 767F program
Boeing announced in October 2024 that it will deliver the remaining 767Fs and then end the commercial program by 2027. This decision raises questions about the future of medium-capacity freighters and whether a new aircraft will be developed to replace them.787F under discussion
FlightGlobal reports that industry leaders are discussing the possibility of a freight version of the 787 Dreamliner, called the 787F. However, this is a market interest rather than a confirmed industrial project. Boeing has not yet provided delivery schedules or performance details for such a model.Existing freight options
Boeing’s current freight range includes the 737-800 converted for single-aisle operations, the 767 for medium-capacity, and the 777F and 777-8F for large-capacity freight. The 787 is not currently marketed as a freight aircraft, so no details about a 787F can be inferred from operator interest.Previous discussions on new freighters
The idea of a new freighter has been discussed before. In 2024, a report by ISTAT, the international aircraft trading industry association, considered the potential of a "787F" and an "A330F-neo." These discussions highlighted interest in a new generation of freighters but did not lead to any formal decisions by manufacturers.Airbus considers A330neo freight version
At Airbus, the focus may be on a freight version of the A330neo. Analyst Bjorn Fehrm of Leeham News suggests an A330-900F could complement the A350F. This model could reuse adaptations from the A330-200F and use the Trent 7000 engine from the A330neo.Converted aircraft as alternative
Airbus currently offers the A330-200P2F, a converted passenger aircraft that can carry up to 60 tons. This program involves collaboration with EFW and ST Aerospace for design, production, and support. However, this is a conversion, not a new freighter.Converted vs. new freighters
Converted aircraft and new freighters serve similar but distinct markets. Leeham News notes that without a new successor for the 767F, the industry may continue relying on converting passenger planes. This highlights the gap in the medium-capacity freighter market.Large freighters in development
Airbus and Boeing are both developing large freighters. The A350F can carry up to 111 tons over 8,700 kilometers, while Boeing’s 777-8F has a maximum payload of 118 tons with a 5,000 nautical mile range. These aircraft do not address the need for a new medium-capacity freighter.Future of medium freighters unclear
Despite the progress on large freighters, the need for a new medium-capacity aircraft remains. FlightGlobal highlights the call for Boeing and Airbus to define a new generation of medium freighters. For now, the industrial decision is still pending.
