Airbus completed the maiden flight of its A350F freighter, advancing its effort to compete with Boeing in the air-cargo market. The aircraft took off from Toulouse, France, on September 29, 2026. It flew for approximately four hours and ten minutes for initial system and airworthiness checks. The flight begins a nine-month certification campaign.
The purpose-built A350F is designed to use less fuel, with advanced materials intended to reduce its weight compared with competing aircraft. It will compete with Boeing’s 777 freighter and upcoming 777-8F. Airbus has secured 115 orders for the aircraft from various customers.
The A350F is now expected to enter commercial service in the second half of 2027.