Airbus A350F Delayed At Silk Way West

Silky Way West has become the latest freight operator seemingly adding a delay to the acquisition efforts of its A350F.

Cargo Facts’ reporting indicates that the A350F will likely enter service in the fourth quarter of 2027 at the earliest.

However, given the persistent unknowns surrounding the approval of this next-generation freighter, the risk that this could extend into 2028 remains highly likely.

Silk Way West Airlines confirmed its order for the Airbus A350F in 2022, purchasing two units for future freight needs. The Baku-based company said the freighters would aid modernisation efforts in the future.

However, given an inability to take these planes on now as intended, the company will be forced to extend the life of its 747F further than expected.

While the 747F has been a workhorse, the Airbus widebody freighter type is directly seen as the new era for flying. The quicker the jet enters service, the better for Silk Way West, which is trying to evolve rather than rely on older, less efficient planes.

Airbus Delays The A350F

Many upcoming jet operators are delaying their A350Fs following Airbus’ recent confirmation that its game-changing freighter will launch in mid-2027.

Following reporting exclusively led by Reuters, speculation emerged surrounding a prospective delay, which the planemaker confirmed.

Airbus previously outlined 2026 as the expected year of the first delivery of the A350F and even targeted a first flight sometime in the back end of 2025.

However, achieving these established timelines has been deemed impossible mainly because Airbus faces consistent supply chain constraints and many other internal challenges it’s attempting to work through.

While there have been considerable improvements across the business, this hasn’t necessarily been enough to change the direction of the new freighter completely or allow timelines to be met adequately.

The A350F Is A New Era

The A350F has already amassed over 50 orders, and many more customers are currently weighing up their options. In due course, it’ll become apparent whether the A350-1000F, as it has been designated, will be the desired choice.

For Airbus, the jet represents a genuine attempt to gain market share in the freighter market, which it has arguably struggled to gain a firm grip on.

As Boeing progresses with its 777-8F, the two plane makers will compete to attract maximum market share. However, delays to both programs have led to companies adjusting their timelines.

In mid-2024, Air France- KLM, a customer of the upcoming A350 Freighter, confirmed that their first delivery of 2026 would be delayed until early 2027; this is now to be pushed back further.

Similar to Silk Way West Airlines, a confirmation has arrived that there will also be a delay due to the unreliability of supply chains and delivery timeframes, especially felt across the A350 program.