Aircraft manufacturer reaches critical production phase for new-generation freighter with systems testing and winglet installation next
Airbus is getting closer to completing its first A350 freighter with the fuselage, wings, tail and landing gear all installed.
The aircraft manufacturer told Air Cargo News (ACN) that the manufacturing milestone for its new generation freighter had been achieved at its Toulouse facility in France.
Airbus said the next steps for the A350F will include systems testing and installation of winglets, amongst other tasks.
The company told ACN earlier this year that it was on track to begin delivering the A350F in the second half of 2027.
Following ground testing of parts for safety, Airbus will undertake test flights on two A350F test aircraft to assess operational performance throughout 2026 and early 2027.
Airbus' production progress was previously hampered by supply chain delays.
In May 2023, the company adjusted the entry into service date for the A350F from the end of 2025 to the first quarter of 2026. Then, in February this year, the entry-into-service date was moved to the second half of 2027.
There are now a total of 83 A350F orders from 13 customers. Recently, Airbus confirmed that Etihad had ordered an additional three A350Fs to add to its existing order for seven units, Air China Cargo had signed a purchase agreement for six A350Fs, MNG Airlines Cargo had purchased two A350 freighters, while Korean Air has converted seven of an existing order for A350 passenger aircraft to the freighter model.
2025 Production milestones
September - Entire fuselage for first A350F delivered to Toulouse, the final assembly line for the cargo twinjet.
August – Airbus received the initial fuselage sections for its A350 freighter, MSN700, at its final assembly line in Toulouse, France.
July - Airbus completed manufacturing the first A350F horizontal stabiliser (HTP) at its plants in Spain.
May - manufacturing of the first set of A350F wings is completed.
April- the first forward fuselage section of the aircraft was equipped with essential systems
March – Delivery of the first section 19 - the aerostructure located aft of the main fuselage barrel and which interfaces with the tail of the aircraft.
