Airbus has successfully completed the maiden flight of the A350F, formally launching the flight-test campaign for its new-generation widebody freighter. Test aircraft MSN700, registered F-WXLD, flew for 4 hours 10 minutes from Toulouse on September 29, 2026 and reached 25,000 ft.
A four-hour maiden flight
Airbus says the first sortie focused on basic airworthiness, fundamental handling qualities and validation of key aircraft systems. MSN700 reached an indicated airspeed of 340 kt and climbed progressively to 25,000 ft.
The crew initially flew in Direct Law to compare the aircraft’s real behaviour with predictive models before switching to Normal Law once the results fell within expected limits.
Certification testing is now under way
The maiden flight opens a campaign lasting a little over nine months and involving two test aircraft. Airbus has previously outlined roughly 400 flight-test hours across MSN700 and MSN701.
MSN700 will focus heavily on handling, performance and flight-control systems. MSN701 is already in advanced final assembly and is expected to join the programme after painting and final preparation.
What Airbus checked on flight one
The crew evaluated engine behaviour, pressurisation, communication, navigation and core mechanical systems. Thousands of parameters were streamed to engineers on the ground through the aircraft’s dedicated flight-test instrumentation.
111 tonnes of payload and 8,700 km of range
The A350F is designed to carry up to 111 tonnes over missions of around 8,700 km. Its cargo-optimised fuselage incorporates a 4.3-metre main-deck cargo door.
Airbus also highlights a maximum take-off weight 46 tonnes lower than its direct competitor and fuel-burn and CO₂ reductions of up to 40% versus previous-generation freighters with a similar payload-range capability.
115 orders strengthen Airbus’ cargo comeback
By the end of August 2026, Airbus had recorded 115 A350F orders from 14 disclosed customers. The manufacturer says the type has captured as much as 59% of the new large-freighter market.
That gives Airbus a credible platform in a segment long dominated by Boeing. The competition with the 777-8F now moves from design claims to certification progress, industrial ramp-up and actual operating performance.
Entry into service remains targeted for 2027
Airbus is still targeting entry into service in the second half of 2027. The successful maiden flight is a major milestone, but the aircraft still faces a demanding certification programme before first delivery.
Why this flight matters
The significance goes beyond a single test sortie. Airbus now has a real flying prototype generating flight data, allowing engineers to compare the aircraft’s behaviour with its design models and progressively expand the envelope.
For Airbus, the next challenge is execution: converting a successful prototype flight into a certified freighter delivered on schedule to cargo operators.
Main sources
Airbus: A350F maiden-flight release
Airbus: flight-test campaign detail
Reuters: September 29, 2026
Related: Airbus A350F nears first flight with 115 orders, the earlier program snapshot before the maiden flight milestone.
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