Airbus A350F completes maiden flight in Toulouse

Airbus has successfully completed the maiden flight of its new A350F freighter, the first of two test aircraft. The flight, conducted from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, lasted 4 hours and 10 minutes, reaching an altitude of 25,000 feet. The aircraft, identified as MSN700, served as a flying laboratory to collect data on aerodynamics, structural loads, and system performance.

The A350F is designed to compete with Boeing’s 777 series in the global air cargo market. It features a payload capacity of up to 111 tonnes, a range of 8,700 kilometers, and is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. The aircraft is constructed with over 70% advanced materials, aiming for significant fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.

This inaugural flight marks the beginning of a nine-month certification campaign involving approximately 400 flight hours. A second prototype, MSN701, is currently in the final assembly stage. Airbus has already secured 115 firm orders from 14 customers, including Atlas Air and CMA CGM. Commercial service is expected to begin in the second half of 2027.