Airbus has officially entered the production phase of its first A350 freighter (A350F) after completing delivery of all major components to its final assembly line in Toulouse. The milestone aircraft, designated MSN 700, will be assembled in the coming months as Airbus prepares the program for flight testing and certification.
Major Components Delivered by Beluga XL
The fuselage and wing sections were transported from Airbus facilities across Europe using the company’s Beluga XL oversized transport aircraft. The central fuselage sections arrived in Toulouse on 19 August, followed by the forward sections two days later. The rear fuselage from Hamburg completed the set of primary structures required for assembly.
First Flight in 2026, Entry Into Service in 2027
Airbus plans to conduct initial flight tests in 2026, with the A350F scheduled to enter service in the second half of 2027. Two prototypes will undergo a comprehensive certification and flight test programme throughout 2026 and 2027.
Next-Generation Freighter Capabilities
Derived from the A350-1000 passenger aircraft, the A350F has been purpose-built for air cargo operations. Key features include:
- Payload capacity: ~111 tonnes
- Range: 4,700 nautical miles
- Cargo door: 175-inch-wide main deck door for faster loading and unloading
Joost van der Heijden, Airbus Senior Vice-President of Marketing, said:
“The assembly of these sections will begin in the coming weeks. The A350F is designed to meet airlines’ growing need for fuel-efficient, next-generation freighters that combine performance, capacity, and sustainability.”
The A350F launch comes amid rising demand for modern cargo aircraft as airlines and operators look to replace aging fleets with more efficient, environmentally friendly models.