Airbus A350F Freighter Completes Maiden Flight from Toulouse
The Airbus A350F freighter successfully completed its first flight on September 29, 2026, initiating a critical nine-month test campaign toward
The Airbus A350F freighter completed its maiden flight from Toulouse-Blagnac on September 29, 2026. The flight marks the start of a multi-month test campaign targeting certification and initial deliveries by the second half of 2027.
The aircraft, registered F-WXLD and known as MSN700, took off at 10:20 local time. It flew for 4 hours and 10 minutes, reaching a maximum altitude of 25,000 feet and a maximum indicated airspeed of 340 knots. The five-person crew, led by Captain and test pilot Bernardo Saez-Benito and First Officer Sylvain Guiraud, focused on aerodynamic performance, handling qualities, and autopilot systems. The flight was preceded by two high-speed rejected-takeoff runs in the final ground-test phase. A Dassault Falcon chase aircraft accompanied the flight, which was livestreamed on YouTube and has since garnered nearly a million views.
This aircraft is the first of two test planes for a programme aiming to rack up more than 400 flight hours over roughly nine months. The second test aircraft, MSN701, is at an advanced stage of final assembly and is expected to head to the paint shop within weeks.
Aircraft capabilities and market positioning
Derived from the A350-1000 passenger jet but with a shorter fuselage, the A350F is positioned as a next-generation, fuel-efficient rival to Boeing's upcoming 777-8F. Airbus claims the aircraft will offer up to 40% lower fuel burn and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation freighters. It is the first new freighter designed to meet the latest ICAO carbon emission standards, effective from 2028, and aims for 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel capability by 2030.
The aircraft's structure is composed of more than 70% advanced materials, predominantly carbon composites. It features what Airbus calls the largest main-deck cargo door in commercial aviation. Key performance specifications are outlined below.
| Capability | Specification |
|---|---|
| Payload Capacity | 111 metric tons |
| Range | 4,700 nm (8,700 km) |
| Engines | Two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 |
Airbus has historically offered the A330-200F and converted passenger jets in the freighter segment, a market long dominated by Boeing's 747F and 777F. The A350F programme was launched in 2021.
Programme status and next steps
Airbus has secured 115 orders for the A350F from 14 disclosed customers. The manufacturer claims this represents a 59% share of the large-freighter market. The test campaign will now intensify with the two aircraft. Julien Puyou, head of the widebody programme, is overseeing the effort.
The first test aircraft wears a distinctive brown livery with bright orange wingtips and the phrase 'Open here for business' on its fuselage. Lars Wagner, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, has called the aircraft a game-changer for air cargo. The wider certification campaign will use the two A350Fs to accumulate about 400 flight-test hours. The test campaign will continue with the second A350F test aircraft (MSN701) as it proceeds to paint shop and joins the flight test programme to accumulate over 400 flight hours.
