TOULOUSE— Airbus has begun a critical phase in the development of its A350 freighter, with the arrival and installation of the aircraft’s main-deck cargo door at its final assembly line. The milestone marks the completion of the last major structural component required before system integration and testing.
The cargo door reached Toulouse on April 21, and engineers-initiated installation on the MSN700 prototype the following day. The development is a key step toward the aircraft’s planned first flight later this year and eventual certification timeline.
Photo: Airbus
Airbus A350F Assembly Progress
Airbus confirmed that integrating the main-deck cargo door will take roughly one month, signaling steady momentum in the A350F programme. Engineers consider the component essential, as it enables the aircraft’s core freight-loading capability and operational efficiency.
The manufacturer has been assembling the prototype at its Toulouse facility, where final checks and system installations are underway. With the cargo door now in place, the aircraft moves closer to ground testing and flight-readiness evaluations.
Airbus aims to conduct the A350F’s maiden flight in the third quarter of 2026, although executives indicate the timeline could extend into October depending on installation and safety validation progress.
Photo: Airbus
Airbus A350F Certification Timeline
The certification process for the A350F remains on schedule, with Airbus actively submitting documentation to regulators. The company is coordinating with both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for concurrent certification approval.
Engineers have already completed approximately one-third of the required documentation and expect to reach the halfway mark by the time of the first test flight. Airbus continues to align compliance methods with regulatory standards agreed upon earlier in the programme.
According to Flight Global, the company targets certification by mid-2027, which would enable entry into service in the second half of that year. This timeline positions the A350F as a next-generation alternative in the global freighter market.
Photo: Airbus
Market and Capability of the A350F
Airbus has secured 101 orders from 14 customers for the A350F, reflecting strong demand for modern cargo aircraft.
The freighter competes directly with Boeing’s 777-8F, which has accumulated fewer orders from a smaller customer base.
The A350F features a 4.3-meter-wide main-deck cargo door, allowing operators to load large engines and oversized freight in a single operation.
This capability becomes increasingly important as older nose-loading freighters, such as the Boeing 747F, exit the market.
The aircraft offers a payload capacity of 111 tonnes and can carry 30 containers on the main deck and 40 LD3 containers below.
Airbus also highlights improved turnaround times, with faster loading processes reducing ground operations significantly.
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