Airbus is getting closer to sending its A350F freighter into the skies.
Airbus has tentatively targeted September 24 for the maiden flight of its delayed A350F cargo aircraft, according to industry sources. The date could still move into early October because of technical issues or weather.
The European aircraft maker says the first flight will take place before the end of 2026, with the first customer delivery planned for the second half of 2027.
The A350F was launched in 2021 and is designed to challenge Boeing’s long-standing dominance in the large freighter market. Built around the A350 family’s lightweight composite structure, the freighter is designed to offer improved fuel efficiency and lower operating costs.
Airbus has already secured orders for 107 A350Fs, compared with 38 orders for the older A330F.
However, the program has faced delays, including reported problems with cargo doors being produced in Spain. Some industry observers have warned that deliveries could potentially slip into 2028.
With flight testing typically taking 12–15 months, Airbus now faces a tight certification schedule if it wants to deliver the first A350F in 2027.
If the September flight happens as planned, it could mark a major step toward Airbus finally breaking into Boeing’s heavily defended cargo aircraft territory.
