Dhaka: Air China Cargo, the all-cargo subsidiary of Chinese national carrier Air China, is set to firm up four additional Airbus A350 freighters by exercising options acquired through an order for the type placed last year.

The airline had previously agreed to take six firm A350Fs. But now it intends to sign a supplementary agreement to convert options on four more, bringing its firm order total to 10 units.

Air China Cargo said the move aims to "accelerate the introduction of cargo aircraft" and expand the fleet, adding that the decision aligns with its development plan and market demand.

The originally ordered six aircraft are slated for delivery between 2029 and 2031. The additional four units are expected to arrive over 2032 and 2033.

Air China Cargo valued the extra aircraft at USD 1.86 billion at catalog prices, though Airbus has granted a price discount. The supplementary agreement also includes options on six more A350Fs, with an exercise deadline at the end of next year.

Air China Cargo was the first customer on the Chinese mainland to order the 111-tonne capacity A350F. The cargo carrier currently operates a fleet of 23 freighters, comprising eight Airbus A330-200P2Fs, two Boeing 747-400Fs, and 13 777Fs.