The long-awaited Airbus A350F freighter is set to take its maiden flight on September 29, and aviation enthusiasts will be able to watch the historic flight live.
Airbus says it will broadcast the first flight live on X at 4:20 a.m. EDT, subject to weather and essential operational requirements.
The A350F flight-test program has faced delays linked to supply-chain issues, staffing shortages and challenges with production of its large main-deck cargo door. Entry into service is now expected in the second half of 2027.
Based on the A350 family, the A350F combines an A350-900 forward fuselage with an A350-1000 rear fuselage and A350-1000 wings, creating a unique aerodynamic configuration.
The first test aircraft, MSN700, will focus on aerodynamic performance, handling qualities and autopilot systems. Its initial flight will be conducted manually without flight-envelope and stability protections.
A five-person test crew — two pilots and three engineers — will conduct the flight, with a trailing cone collecting independent airspeed, altitude and Mach data.
A second test aircraft, MSN701, will later test flight protections, hot- and cold-weather operations, fire and smoke detection systems, and other certification requirements.
Airbus plans to accumulate around 400 flight hours over nine months during the global certification campaign.
The A350F is designed to carry up to 111 metric tons of payload and has a range of around 4,700 nautical miles. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, Airbus targets around 20% lower fuel burn and carbon emissions compared with the aircraft it is intended to replace.
The freighter will also feature a massive main-deck cargo door capable of handling everything from e-commerce shipments to oversized cargo such as aircraft engines.
Airbus says the A350F had accumulated 115 orders from at least 14 customers by August 2026, with Atlas Air holding the largest order for 20 aircraft.
The September 29 maiden flight will mark a major milestone in Airbus’ next-generation freighter program.
