Airbus has shared a behind-the-scenes look at ground testing of the A350F, its new-generation freighter designed to meet new ICAO emissions standards that will prevent production of the Boeing 777F, currently the world's most popular widebody production freighter, beyond 2027.
The A350F is expected to make its maiden flight soon. Reuters reported in August that Airbus was targeting late September, although technical or weather issues could push the flight into early October.
The first test aircraft has completed checks of its cargo loading system, main deck cargo door and pressurization with the aircraft's equipment and systems installed. It will next move to the flight line before Airbus hands it over to its flight-test team.
A second A350F is completing its final assembly cycle and will follow the same process. Airbus plans to use two aircraft for the flight-test campaign that will support certification of the new freighter.
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The latest update was provided by A350F chief engineer Joël Rocker. Airbus also detailed the preparations for the flight campaign this week, including work carried out before the aircraft leaves the ground.
Ground tests precede first flight
Airbus completed Ground Vibration Testing in June to measure the structural response of the A350F and validate the models that will be used during flight testing. The manufacturer has also completed its Virtual First Flight program, with 13 simulator sessions of approximately five hours each connected to real aircraft avionics test benches.
The simulator setup is about 90% representative of the physical aircraft, according to Airbus. It was used to validate flight-control laws, evaluate the aircraft's behavior under combinations of system failures and prepare the five-person crew for the first flight.
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September 15, 2026
September 15, 2026
The initial flight will be performed entirely in Direct Law, without the flight-envelope and stability protections provided by Normal Law. Airbus said the freighter has a different aerodynamic model from both the A350-900 and A350-1000 because it combines the forward fuselage length of the former with the rear fuselage length and wings of the latter.
The two test aircraft will divide the certification work. The first will concentrate on aerodynamic performance, handling qualities and autopilot systems, while the second will focus on aircraft systems, fire and smoke detection, and hot- and cold-weather trials.
First flight expected in September
Airbus has not publicly committed to a September date for the maiden flight. Reuters reported that internal planning pointed to late September, with sources citing a window around September 24.
The timetable leaves Airbus with a relatively short certification campaign. The manufacturer has targeted certification in 2027 and plans to deliver the first customer aircraft before the end of that year.
The A350F program has already slipped from earlier schedules. When Airbus launched the freighter in 2021, entry into service was initially planned for 2025. The target subsequently moved to 2026 and then to the second half of 2027.
A350F has 107 orders
The A350F is derived from the A350 passenger family but incorporates a new fuselage section and a large main-deck cargo door. It has a maximum payload of 111 tonnes and is designed to accommodate standard pallets and containers on both decks.
Airbus had accumulated 115 firm orders for the A350F by August. Customers include Air France, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines and several cargo and leasing companies.
The program targets simultaneous certification by EASA and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration under Amendment 27 standards. The new emissions requirements will reshape the large freighter market from 2028, when both the 777F and 767F will no longer meet the standards required for newly produced aircraft. Boeing is developing the 777-8F as its next-generation freighter.
