A350F MSN700 Rollout
Airbus is preparing to open a new chapter in its widebody programme, with the A350F scheduled to make its maiden flight on 29 September 2026.
The first flight of MSN700 from Toulouse will mark the beginning of the flight-test campaign for Airbus’ new-generation freighter and one of the most important milestones yet for the programme.
Although the aircraft shares much of its technology and architecture with the passenger A350 family, the A350F is far more than a straightforward cargo conversion.
A different A350
The freighter combines the forward fuselage length of the A350-900 with the rear fuselage and wing configuration derived from the larger A350-1000.
Its configuration, structural changes and different weight distribution create aerodynamic characteristics that must be validated independently during flight testing.
Airbus has highlighted an unusual detail of the upcoming maiden flight: the aircraft is expected to conduct its initial flight profile entirely in Direct Law.
This allows the flight-test team to collect and validate aerodynamic data before progressively expanding use of the aircraft’s normal flight-control laws and protections.
The five-person crew for the first flight is expected to comprise two pilots, one Test Flight Engineer and two Flight Test Engineers.
Around 400 hours of flight testing
The maiden flight will launch a certification campaign expected to involve approximately 400 flight hours.
This is considerably shorter than the original certification programme for the passenger A350, reflecting the extensive commonality between the aircraft.
Nevertheless, the programme must validate the characteristics specific to the freighter, including its aerodynamics, handling qualities, systems and cargo configuration.
The A350F has been designed around the requirements of the next generation of long-haul air cargo operations. Airbus is positioning the aircraft as a highly efficient replacement for ageing large freighters while also targeting future fleet growth.
Its development also marks Airbus’ return to the purpose-built large freighter segment at a time when operators around the world are preparing to replace significant numbers of older cargo aircraft.
The company currently targets entry into service of the A350F towards the end of 2027.
Before that can happen, however, MSN700 first has to do what every new aircraft programme eventually must.
Leave the ground.
Source: Airbus
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