Inside A350F production

Welcome to the making of the A350F. If you are tracking the latest A350F orders, anticipating its first flight, or wondering how engineering and testing are progressing, this hub is your front-row seat. We are documenting every manufacturing milestone leading up to the initial delivery date and the official A350F release date. 

While the in-depth technical specifications of what the aircraft can achieve are hosted on our dedicated commercial aircraft website, this journey page takes you straight to the shop floor. Watch our new-generation freighter come to life, from the initial manufacturing of advanced composite components to the integration of major aerostructures and the ultimate roll-out.

Explore our curated collection of behind-the-scenes stories, official press releases, latest production updates, and rich multimedia assets. Bookmark this page to follow our global teams as they shape the future of air freight. Join us on the journey.

A350F stories: follow the journey

The Airbus A350F is currently under development. 

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. 

Countdown to A350F first flight: Preparing for the sky

A350F first flight rehearsal in simulator

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.

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Unpacking the A350F’s new livery

A350F MSN700 - roll out

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.

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Pushing the A350F to the limits: Ground Vibration Testing

A350F Ground Vibration Test

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!

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Where is the A350F built?

Production of the first Wingset in Broughton, UK

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!

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Engineering the world’s largest cargo door: Inside the A350F

A350F MSN700 cargo Door & Cargo Loader

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!

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Testing the A350F’s cargo loading and main deck door actuation systems

‘Cargo Zero’ container loading test showing the wide door clearance

‘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!

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Pushing the A350F to the limits: aircraft ground testing gets underway

A350F MSN700 in FAL

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!

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The A350F in pictures

  • A350F main deck cargo door installation Toulouse

    A350F MSN700 cargo door installation

  • A350F MSN701-FALA350 ST30A

    A350F MSN701-FALA350 ST30A

  • A350F MSN700 cargo door arrival

    A350F MSN700 cargo door arrival

  • A350F main deck cargo door delivery in Toulouse from Spain

    A350F Main Deck Cargo Door delivery

  • A350F Cargo Loading System

    A350F Cargo Loading System

  • A350F MSN700 from ST40 to ST30A

    A350F MSN700 from ST40 to ST30A

  • A350F MSN700 cargo Door & Cargo Loader

    A350F MSN700 cargo Door & Cargo Loader

  • A350F MSN700 at ST30

    A350F MSN700 at ST30

  • A350F MSN701-FALA350 ST30A

    A350F MSN701-FALA350 ST30A

  • A350F MSN700 cargo door installation

    A350F MSN700 cargo door installation

Watch the videos of the A350F

  • A350F cargo loading and main deck door actuation systems

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    A350F cargo loading and main deck door actuation systems

  • The A350F is taking shape

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    The A350F is taking shape

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    A350, the longe range leader

    The Airbus A350 family represents the pinnacle of modern aviation, offering a complete new-generation solution at the top of the market. Comprised of the A350-900, A350-1000, and the A350F, this family is designed to meet the diverse needs of airlines worldwide. With similar range capabilities between the -900 and -1000 models, airlines can achieve maximum network flexibility, optimising route planning and operational efficiency.

Discover everything about the A350F as a product. From technical specifications, capacities, etc. Visit our dedicated aircraft hub for all detailed product features.

Latest A350F news & orders

Read all A350F press releases

General Market Forecast Cargo

General Market Forecast Cargo

The future of global cargo

The future of the air freight market is dynamic, driven by the expansion of global trade and economic development at world level. To meet this rising air cargo demand, the world's freighter fleet will require modern, more efficient aircraft, including new builds and specialised passenger-to-freighter conversions. Overall, 2,605 additional freighters will be needed for the market, 1,670 will be conversions from passenger aircraft and 935 will be new-build freighters.

Discover the full Cargo GMF presentation For more information, read the full press release here

  • By 2044

    +45%

    growth in the global cargo market

  • By 2044

    2,605

    additional freighters will be needed

  • +3.3%

    annual increase of the air freight demand

Discover more