Follow the A350F journey to first flight
Discover how the A350F came to life, leading up to its maiden flight live from Toulouse.
A350F journey
Welcome to the official hub tracking the making of the A350F. This is your front-row seat to follow the complete journey of our new-generation freighter, from manufacturing across Europe and behind-the-scenes engineering to the latest news, stories and customer orders.
As part of this ongoing journey, the A350F reaches its most anticipated milestone on Tuesday 29 September 2026: its maiden flight from Toulouse, France
Bookmark this page to stay updated on future production updates, videos and press releases.
The A350F in pictures
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A350F MSN700 First flight - in flight
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A350F MSN700 First flight - in flight
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A350F MSN700 First flight - Take off
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A350F MSN700 First flight - Take off
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A350F MSN700 First flight - Take off
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A350F MSN700 First flight - Take off
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A350F MSN700 First flight - Take off
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A350F MSN700 First flight crew boarding
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A350F MSN700 First flight crew boarding
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A350F MSN700 First flight crew
Watch the videos of the A350F
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A350F First flight - Best of The Day
A350F First flight - Best of The Day
A350F First flight - Best of The Day
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A350F First Flight - Landing (Stockshot)
A350F First Flight - Landing (Stockshot)
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A350F - First flight Take off
A350F - First flight Take off
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A350F First Flight - Air to Air
A350F First Flight - Air to Air
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A350F MSN700 - Rollout (16/9)
A350F MSN700 - Rollout (16/9)
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A350F Final Assembly Line process
A350F Final Assembly Line process
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A350F cargo loading and main deck door actuation systems
A350F cargo loading and main deck door actuation systems
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The A350F is taking shape
The A350F is taking shape
Read all our A350F stories
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A350F first flight: new freighter aircraft takes to the sky
Web Story
Commercial Aircraft
Read the story about the A350F first flight -
Countdown to A350F first flight: Preparing for the sky
Web Story
Commercial Aircraft
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Unpacking the A350F’s new livery
Web Story
Commercial Aircraft
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Pushing the A350F to the limits: Ground Vibration Testing
Web Story
Commercial Aircraft
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Where is the A350F built?
Web Story
Commercial Aircraft
Key capabilities of the new freighter
A350F AT A GLANCE
Explore the A350F product details
Discover everything about the A350F as a product. From technical specifications, capacities, etc. Visit our dedicated aircraft hub for all detailed product features.
Next generation freighter
Latest A350F news & orders
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Airbus A350F freighter successfully performs its maiden flight
Press Release
Commercial Aircraft
The A350F freighter (MSN 700), the first of two test aircraft, has completed its first flight. Learn more about it. -
Air China Cargo increases A350F freighter order to 10 aircraft
Press Release
Commercial Aircraft
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Airbus completes first A350F Freighter main deck cargo door in Spain
Press Release
Commercial Aircraft
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Atlas Air Worldwide becomes Airbus’ largest A350F freighter customer with an order…
Press Release
Commercial Aircraft
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Etihad Airways grows its Airbus widebody fleet becoming a new A330neo customer,…
Press Release
Commercial Aircraft
A350F FAQ
Find key answers regarding the A350F programme, manufacturing journey and flight test campaign.
When is the A350F first flight taking place?
The maiden flight is scheduled for Tuesday 29 September 2026 from Toulouse, France. Live coverage will be broadcast on this page.
Where can I watch the A350F first flight?
Directly at the top of this page or on our YouTube channel.
What will happen during the maiden flight?
The crew inside MSN700 will operate the aircraft as a flying laboratory, tracking thousands of real-time parameters including aerodynamics, structural loads and sensor data.
Where can I find A350F technical specifications?
Discover full product features, payload options and performance metrics on our dedicated commercial aircraft website.
Where is the A350F manufactured and assembled?
Building the A350F is a global endeavor with deep European roots. Major aerostructures travel by air, land and sea across four core Airbus nations before reaching final assembly:
- Broughton, UK: Engineered and produced the large-scale composite wings.
- Getafe, Spain: Manufactured the massive 4.3-metre-wide main deck cargo door.
- Bremen & Hamburg, Germany: Assembled critical fuselage sections and internal cargo loading systems.
- Toulouse, France: Performed final assembly, systems integration and flight line preparations.
How do engineering teams prepare the A350F before its first flight?
Before taking to the skies, MSN700 underwent extensive ground testing to ensure flight readiness. Test teams performed 'Virtual First Flights' in flight simulators, Ground Vibration Testing (GVT) to validate structural dynamics, anemometry calibration and smoke detection checks. In Bremen, physical demonstrators such as 'Cargo Zero' were used to simulate real-world loading scenarios and test the all-electric actuation of the main deck cargo door.
Why does the A350F test aircraft feature a custom packaging design?
The livery on the first A350F is the result of a public design competition organised by Airbus. Merging two winning concepts inspired by cargo packaging boxes, the design was brought to life in the paintshop using custom paint techniques and adhesive films to adapt to the freighter's dimensions while meeting strict weight requirements.
Where can I find official A350F press releases and order updates?
All major commercial milestones, customer order announcements and press releases are published directly on this hub under the latest news section. Bookmark this page to track growing market adoption and fleet updates from cargo operators worldwide.
How will the global air freight market evolve over the next 20 years?
According to Airbus' Global Market Forecast (GMF), the worldwide freighter fleet is expected to grow by 45% by 2044, driven by expanding e-commerce and the need for resilient global supply chains. Driven by a 3.3% annual increase in air freight demand, the market will require 2,605 additional freighters over the next two decades, including 935 new-build aircraft like the A350F.
Read the full forecast: Discover the Global Market Forecast for freighter fleet
A350F Livery Design Competition
Discover the A350F livery design competition and the winners
A350F Get to know the winners
Who won the contest?
A350F stories: follow the journey
The Airbus A350F is currently under development, preparing for its first flight on 29 September 2026.
From concept to reality, stay here to discover all the stories behind the A350F and learn more about this new cargo aircraft, which is preparing for its first flight.
A350F first flight: new freighter aircraft takes to the sky
A350F MSN700 First flight - Take off
29 September 2026 - The first A350F aircraft – MSN700 – took to the skies for the very first time. This flight marked the beginning of the planned 10 month / 400 flight hour test campaign.
Countdown to A350F first flight: Preparing for the sky
A350F first flight rehearsal in simulator
14 September 2026 - The Airbus A350F is advancing towards its first flight. Flight test teams are currently validating the freighter's unique aerodynamics and bespoke systems through extensive 'Virtual First Flights' in the simulator, alongside critical ground checks such as smoke detection testing and anemometry calibration. Discover the meticulous preparation and engineering milestones leading up to the 400-hour flight test campaign.
Unpacking the A350F’s new livery
A350F MSN700 - roll out
02 September 2026 - The first A350F is officially painted! The new livery of the first Airbus A350F is the result of a public design competition, merging two winning concepts inspired by cargo packaging boxes. Bringing this design to life required major technical innovations in the paintshop, using a combination of paint and adhesive films to adapt to the aircraft's unique dimensions while meeting strict weight requirements.
Pushing the A350F to the limits: Ground Vibration Testing
A350F MSN700 Ground Vibration Test (GVT)
03 August 2026 - The A350F has successfully completed its Ground Vibration Testing! By measuring the aircraft's response to controlled vibrations, engineers validated its structural dynamics and aeroelastic models to clear the way for its upcoming first flight. Discover the cutting-edge engineering behind this crucial milestone!
Where is the A350F built?
Production of the first Wingset in Broughton, UK
23 July 2026 - Building the new A350F is a true global endeavor with deep European roots! While components are manufactured globally, the assembly relies on the specialized expertise of Airbus' four core nations: the UK (wings), Spain (rear fuselage and cargo door), Germany (structural framework), and France (engine pylons and final assembly). Discover how these massive components travel by air, land, and sea to be pieced together in Toulouse!
Engineering the world’s largest cargo door: Inside the A350F
A350F MSN700 cargo Door & Cargo Loader
22 May 2026 - The A350F is installed! The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the commercial aviation industry, specifically designed to seamlessly load outsized shipments like large aircraft engines. Engineered with advanced carbon-fibre composites, this massive "working door" acts as a critical structural element to optimize weight and withstand the extreme forces of flight. Discover the technical secrets and design challenges behind this record-breaking innovation!
Testing the A350F’s cargo loading and main deck door actuation systems
‘Cargo Zero’ container loading test showing the wide door clearance
11 May 2026 - The operational heart of the A350F is being put to the ultimate test in Bremen, Germany! Using massive physical demonstrators like "Cargo Zero", engineering teams are simulating real-world loading scenarios to validate the aircraft's innovative Cargo Loading System and the all-electric actuation of its industry-leading main deck door. Dive into the testing process that guarantees the freighter can safely and seamlessly handle up to 111 tonnes of payload!
Pushing the A350F to the limits: aircraft ground testing gets underway
A350F MSN700 in FAL
30 March 2026 - The A350F is undergoing rigorous ground testing to validate its completely new cargo systems before taking to the skies! With major innovations like a new main-deck cargo loading system, an advanced drainage system, and an anti-tail-tipping warning system, Airbus engineers co-designed over 40% of the serial testing procedures specifically for this freighter. Discover the complex challenges behind these critical tests, from extreme water drainage simulations to max payload testing!