Airbus A350F completes maiden test flight in Toulouse

On September 29, 2026, Airbus successfully conducted the maiden test flight of the A350F dedicated freighter aircraft in Toulouse, France. The first prototype, identified as MSN 700, completed a 4-hour and 10-minute flight, reaching a test altitude of approximately 7,620 meters.

The flight crew, led by test pilot Bernardo Saez-Benito and co-pilot Sylvain Guiraud, performed rigorous tests to evaluate aerodynamic features, flight handling, and core system stability. Initial data indicates the aircraft performed according to technical specifications.

This flight marks the beginning of a nine-month testing campaign intended to gather safety certification data. Airbus Commercial Aircraft Executive Lars Wagner described the aircraft as a potential game-changer for the global air cargo market due to its fuel efficiency, operational flexibility, and range. A second test aircraft, MSN 701, has completed final assembly and is moving toward the painting stage.