![Airbus A350F Completes First Flight as New Freighter Returns to Toulouse The Airbus A350F has completed its maiden flight, returning to Toulouse-Blagnac on 29 September and beginning the flight-test programme for the manufacturer’s new long-haul freighter. The first prototype, MSN700, registered F-WXLD, departed Toulouse earlier in the day. The milestone brings Airbus closer to certification and customer deliveries, currently targeted for the second half of 2027. Two aircraft for the test campaign Airbus plans a campaign involving two aircraft, approximately 400 flight hours and around nine months of testing. MSN700 will focus on aerodynamics, handling and autopilot performance, while MSN701 will cover systems testing and operations in hot and cold conditions. Although based on the passenger A350, the freighter has a distinct configuration. Its fuselage length falls between the A350-900 and A350-1000, while its wing comes from the larger variant. These differences require Airbus to validate the aircraft’s handling and flight-control characteristics. Before taking to the skies, crews rehearsed using a development simulator connected to real aircraft avionics. The prototype also completed high-speed rejected-takeoff tests on 24 September. Before its maiden flight, the A350F prototype completed high-speed rejected-takeoff tests at Toulouse on 24 September. Image Credit: [Photographer] Capacity for 111 tonnes of cargo Powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the A350F is designed to carry up to 111 tonnes of payload. Its main deck accommodates 30 containers, with further capacity below. A defining feature is its rear main-deck cargo door, which has a clear opening 4.3 metres wide and 3.15 metres high. Airbus describes it as the largest in the industry, designed to simplify loading standard containers and oversized freight. MSN700 carries a packaging-inspired livery developed from winning entries in Airbus’s public design competition, giving the prototype the appearance of a giant parcel. Deliveries targeted for 2027 The programme entered its first-flight campaign with 115 firm orders. Launched in 2021, the A350F was originally intended to enter service in 2025 before development delays pushed deliveries back. Atlas Air ordered 20 aircraft in March 2026, becoming the largest customer at that announcement. The maiden flight now shifts attention to certification. Airbus must demonstrate the aircraft’s performance, systems and cargo-handling capabilities before the freighter can begin commercial operations.](https://aviation24news.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/WhatsApp-Image-2026-09-29-at-11.40.42-1400x788.jpeg)
The Airbus A350F has completed its maiden flight, returning to Toulouse-Blagnac on 29 September and beginning the flight-test programme for the manufacturer’s new long-haul freighter.
The first prototype, MSN700, registered F-WXLD, departed Toulouse earlier in the day. The milestone brings Airbus closer to certification and customer deliveries, currently targeted for the second half of 2027.
Two aircraft for the test campaign
Airbus plans a campaign involving two aircraft, approximately 400 flight hours and around nine months of testing. MSN700 will focus on aerodynamics, handling and autopilot performance, while MSN701 will cover systems testing and operations in hot and cold conditions.
Although based on the passenger A350, the freighter has a distinct configuration. Its fuselage length falls between the A350-900 and A350-1000, while its wing comes from the larger variant. These differences require Airbus to validate the aircraft’s handling and flight-control characteristics.
Before taking to the skies, crews rehearsed using a development simulator connected to real aircraft avionics. The prototype also completed high-speed rejected-takeoff tests on 24 September.
Capacity for 111 tonnes of cargo
Powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the A350F is designed to carry up to 111 tonnes of payload. Its main deck accommodates 30 containers, with further capacity below.
A defining feature is its rear main-deck cargo door, which has a clear opening 4.3 metres wide and 3.15 metres high. Airbus describes it as the largest in the industry, designed to simplify loading standard containers and oversized freight.
MSN700 carries a packaging-inspired livery developed from winning entries in Airbus’ public design competition, giving the prototype the appearance of a giant parcel.
Deliveries targeted for 2027
The programme entered its first-flight campaign with 115 firm orders. Launched in 2021, the A350F was originally intended to enter service in 2025 before development delays pushed deliveries back.
Atlas Air ordered 20 aircraft in March 2026, becoming the largest customer at that announcement.
The maiden flight now shifts attention to certification. Airbus must demonstrate the aircraft’s performance, systems and cargo-handling capabilities before the freighter can begin commercial operations.
