The first flight of the dedicated Airbus A350 Freight aircraft takes off

Everything is ready in Toulouse for the maiden flight of the A350F (watch the flight live). The A350 Freight is a new-generation cargo aircraft, designed to meet the ever-changing needs of global trade and freight transport. Based on the A350 platform, it is capable of carrying up to 111 tonnes over 4,700 nautical miles. Equipped with the industry’s largest main deck cargo door, measuring 4.3 metres wide, the A350F can accommodate large shipments.

Its advanced airframe reduces take-off weight by 78 tonnes compared with rival aircraft, resulting in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions that are up to 40 per cent lower. Whilst the MSN700 takes to the skies for its maiden flight from Toulouse, the A350F begins its 400-hour flight test programme. The first delivery is scheduled for the second half of 2027, following a certification phase expected to last around nine months.