Airbus prepares A350F freighter for upcoming maiden flight

Airbus is entering the final stages of preparation for the maiden flight of its next-generation large freighter, the A350F. The company has completed several critical milestones, including ground vibration testing and a “Virtual First Flight” program consisting of 13 simulator sessions that utilized real aircraft avionics to validate flight-control laws.

The A350F features a unique design that combines elements of the A350-900 and A350-1000 models to create a new aerodynamic profile. To support certification, Airbus plans to conduct approximately 400 hours of flight testing using two different aircraft. The first test aircraft (MSN700) will focus on aerodynamic performance, handling, and autopilot systems, while the second (MSN701) will handle environmental and system tests, such as cargo compartment fire and smoke detection.

The development of the A350F aims to meet new ICAO emissions standards, positioning it as a successor to current widebody freighters like the Boeing 777F. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is actively involved in the flight test planning to ensure the aircraft reaches formal type certification by 2027.