Airbus has confirmed that the new A350F freighter is scheduled to make its first test flight from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in France on Tuesday, September 29.
The milestone comes after the prototype successfully completed engine runs, taxi checks and two rejected takeoff tests at Toulouse this week. The tests are designed to verify that the aircraft can safely abort a takeoff under demanding conditions.
The A350F is based on the A350-1000, but features a shortened fuselage and a dedicated freighter configuration. Airbus says the aircraft is designed to carry a structural payload of up to 109 tonnes and achieve a range of around 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km).
The aircraft’s main cargo door is also a major feature, designed to accommodate exceptionally large freight, including complete aircraft engines.
The prototype, registered F-WXLD, is currently the only A350F to have been produced. However, Airbus has accumulated around 118 outstanding orders, with Atlas Air currently the largest identified customer with 20 aircraft. Air China Cargo, Etihad Airways and Starlux Airlines each have 10 orders.
The scheduled first flight is expected to begin between 10:30 and 10:45 a.m. local time on September 29, with the flight planned to last around four hours. Airbus has cautioned that the event remains subject to operational requirements, including weather conditions.
The A350F will enter a growing next-generation freighter market and is expected to compete directly with Boeing’s 777-8F.
A major milestone is now just days away as Airbus prepares to take the A350F into the skies for the first time.
