Airbus A350F freighter successfully performs its maiden flight

The Airbus A350F freighter (MSN 700), the first of two flight test aircraft, has successfully completed its maiden flight. Equipped with dedicated flight test instrumentation, the aircraft spent 4 hours and 10 minutes in the air, reaching an altitude of 25,000 feet. The flight was conducted by Airbus' specialized Flight Test crew. Meanwhile, the second A350F prototype (MSN 701) is progressing through final assembly and is expected to enter the paint shop in the coming weeks.

During the inaugural flight, the crew carried out a series of tests to validate the aircraft’s basic airworthiness, assess its handling characteristics and confirm the performance of key onboard systems. The successful mission marks the beginning of a comprehensive flight test campaign that will span more than nine months.

Lars Wagner, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus commented: “This first flight represents a significant milestone for the A350F programme and our customers around the world. As the newest member of the highly successful A350 family, the A350F is set to redefine the air cargo market with outstanding operational flexibility, superior fuel efficiency and long-range capability. I am extremely proud of the dedication and teamwork that made this achievement possible.”

Designed to set a new benchmark in air cargo transportation, the Airbus A350F has been developed to meet the evolving needs of the global freight market. Offering a range of up to 8,700 kilometres and a payload capacity of 111 tonnes, the aircraft enables operators to efficiently serve long-haul international routes. Built with more than 70% advanced materials, the A350F delivers a maximum take-off weight that is 46 tonnes lighter than competing aircraft in its class.

Powered by the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the A350F is expected to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 40% compared with other freighters offering similar payload and range capabilities. It is also the first all-new cargo aircraft designed to fully comply with the latest ICAO CO₂ emissions standards.

Reflecting strong market demand, the A350F had secured 115 orders from 14 disclosed customers by the end of August 2026, capturing up to 59% of the large freighter market segment.

The maiden flight was conducted by Captain and Test Pilot Bernardo Saez-Benito and First Officer and Experimental Test Pilot Sylvain Guiraud, supported by Test Flight Engineer Ludovic Girard. They were joined onboard by Lead Flight Test Engineers Laurent Bussiere and Jaime Angoloti, who monitored aircraft performance throughout the mission.