Airbus has completed manufacturing the first set of wings for its new A350 freighter as it continues to build its first test A350F.
The aerospace company acheived the milestone at its Broughton site in the UK, where wings for Airbus aircraft have been produced for over 50 years.
The wings for the A350F incorporate the latest composite material technology to reduce weight and increase aerodynamic efficiency, said Airbus.
They have been designed similarly to the wings on the passenger A350 so they can be built in the same line, allowing for operational and industrial benefits and improvements.
Airbus is building two A350F test aircraft which will undergo flight tests throughout 2026 and 2027. The wings will soon be transported via one of Airbus’ BelugaXL aircraft to Bremen, Germany for final equipping before being sent to Toulouse, France to be joined to the fuselage of the first test aircraft.
In February, Airbus pushed back the entry-into-service date of the A350F to the second half of 2027, but the comany continues to make production progress. As well as the first wings for the A350F, last month the first forward fuselage section of the aircraft was equipped with essential systems.
“This is a proud moment for everyone at Broughton, completing the first ever A350F wingset," said head of widebody wings at Airbus Broughton, Paul Kilmister.
"With almost 1,400 orders for the A350, including 63 A350F, Broughton will continue to play a critical role in the future of the programme, supporting Airbus’ growth in passenger and freight markets.
“The A350F is poised to shape the future of air freight, offering operators a more efficient, and versatile solution for decades to come.”
