Airbus has accumulated 115 firm orders for the A350F as its new widebody freighter approaches its first flight, with the program adding 34 aircraft to its order book during the first eight months of 2026.
The latest increase appeared in Airbus’ August orders and deliveries data. An unidentified customer ordered eight A350Fs on August 31, accounting for part of the 67 gross aircraft orders recorded by the manufacturer during the month.
The order takes the A350F backlog from 107 aircraft at the end of July to 115. More significantly, Airbus entered 2026 with 81 orders for the freighter, meaning the total has increased by about 42% this year before the first aircraft has flown.
Most of that growth came from Atlas Air, which placed a firm order for 20 aircraft in March and became the largest A350F customer. Air China Cargo added four aircraft in May, increasing its commitment from six to 10, while Cathay Pacific ordered another two and now has eight.
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The eight unidentified aircraft booked in August account for the remainder of the increase.
First flight approaches
The commercial momentum comes as Airbus prepares MSN700, the first A350F flight-test aircraft, for its maiden flight.
Industry sources told Reuters in August that Airbus was tentatively targeting around September 24, although technical issues or weather could move the flight into early October. Airbus has not publicly committed to that date and officially says the first flight will take place before the end of 2026.
Two A350Fs are being built for the flight-test and certification campaign. The program has already experienced delays, including difficulties associated with development and production of its unusually large main-deck cargo door.
Airbus originally planned to introduce the A350F in 2025. Entry into service is now targeted for the second half of 2027, although the remaining certification schedule leaves relatively little margin for further delays.
The A350F was launched in 2021 as Airbus’ return to the purpose-built large freighter market. Based on the A350 family but with a fuselage optimized for cargo operations, it is designed to carry up to 111 tonnes over 4,700 nm (8,700 km).
Its 115 orders already make it considerably more successful commercially than Airbus’ previous purpose-built freighter, the A330-200F, which accumulated only 38 orders.
Competition with 777-8F
The A350F will compete directly with Boeing’s larger 777-8F, another new-generation freighter that has yet to enter service.
Boeing had 81 net orders for the 777-8F through July, giving the A350F a 34-aircraft lead over its main rival at the latest available reporting dates.
Boeing itself confirmed in July that the 777-8F had accumulated more than 80 orders when it identified MSC Air Cargo as the customer behind five previously undisclosed aircraft. Those jets did not represent a new order and therefore did not increase the program total.
The two manufacturers are also competing for additional large freighter business. Ethiopian Airlines is evaluating both aircraft as it prepares another cargo fleet order, with negotiations involving as many as 10 long-haul freighters.
