Airbus flies its new A350F cargo jet for the first time

Airbus conducted the maiden test flight of its new A350F cargo aircraft from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The flight lasted approximately 4 hours, marking the start of flight testing for the manufacturer's newest widebody freighter.

The certification campaign will involve 2 dedicated test aircraft, aiming to log 400 flight hours across a targeted trial period of 9 months. At the program launch in July 2021, Airbus originally targeted a commercial entry into service in 2025.

The A350F features a maximum payload capacity of 111 tonnes and an operational range of up to 4,700 nautical miles. It includes a main deck cargo door measuring 4.3 meters in width. The aircraft can operate with a 50% sustainable aviation fuel blend at service entry, with Airbus targeting 100% capability by 2030.

As of August 31, 2026, Airbus held 115 firm orders for the freighter, up 42% from 81 aircraft at the end of 2025. The company added 34 net orders in the first eight months of 2026. Lead customer Atlas Air accounts for 20 orders, while Boeing held 81 firm orders for its competing widebody cargo plane over the same period.