TOULOUSE— Airbus is preparing to fly its new A350F freighter for the first time on September 29, marking a major milestone in the development of its next-generation cargo aircraft.
The maiden flight is scheduled for 10:20 a.m. local time from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS), subject to weather and operational conditions.
The first test aircraft, MSN700 with registration F-WXLD, has completed two high-speed rejected-takeoff tests in Toulouse as Airbus moves into the final stage before flight testing.
The aircraft will begin a certification campaign involving two A350Fs and approximately 400 flight-test hours over about nine months.
A350F Completes Final Ground Tests
The rejected-takeoff tests followed several important ground-testing milestones for MSN700. Airbus previously completed ground vibration testing, which helped engineers validate structural and aeroelastic models before the aircraft entered its flight-test programme.
The A350F has also undergone testing of its cargo systems, pressurisation and main-deck cargo door.
The freighter uses an electrically operated cargo door with a 4.3-metre-wide and 3.15-metre-high clear opening, designed to support the loading of standard cargo containers and pallets.
MSN700 is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines and combines elements of the A350-900 and A350-1000.
Its unique fuselage configuration and landing-gear geometry require Airbus to validate a specific aerodynamic model rather than relying entirely on existing A350 data.
Virtual Flight Prepares Crew For Firstflight
Before the physical aircraft takes to the sky, Airbus has completed its Virtual First Flight programme using a development simulator linked to real aircraft avionics test benches.
The programme helped engineers validate systems, flight-control laws and failure procedures while preparing the flight-test crews for the maiden flight.
The first flight will deliberately use Direct Law, giving the pilots more direct control instead of the flight-envelope and stability protections available in Normal Law.
Airbus said about 10% of the A350F’s aerodynamic characteristics still rely on an unverified model that must be confirmed during flight testing.
The five-person crew will consist of two pilots, one test flight engineer and two flight test engineers. During the initial flight, the team will focus on aerodynamic performance, handling qualities and autopilot systems.
400-Hour Flight Test Campaign Begins
Following the maiden flight, Airbus plans to use MSN700 mainly for aerodynamic, handling and autopilot testing. The aircraft also carries specialised protection for later takeoff-performance tests as engineers progressively expand its flight envelope.
The second test aircraft, MSN701, will concentrate on systems testing, including air conditioning, fire and smoke assessments, as well as hot- and cold-weather trials. Airbus expects the overall certification campaign to run for around nine months.
The A350F is targeting certification in 2027, with first customer deliveries planned for the second half of that year. The September 29 flight will therefore begin the most extensive phase yet in Airbus’ development of the new large freighter.
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