Airbus has unveiled the first flight-test aircraft for its A350F freighter programme, with the new widebody cargo aircraft emerging from the Toulouse final assembly line in a distinctive “Flying Parcel” livery ahead of its planned maiden flight.
The aircraft, MSN 700, is now moving towards the flight-test phase of the programme. Airbus continues to target a first flight before the end of 2026, while industry sources cited by Reuters indicate that a late-September flight is being considered, with September 24 reportedly the preferred date. The timing remains subject to technical checks and weather conditions and could move into early October.
The aircraft’s giant delivery-box appearance is the result of a public design competition launched by Airbus in 2022 that attracted more than 4,000 entries. The final concept combined designs submitted by Irish graphic designer John Feehan and Canadian brothers Quinnten and Ellisten Iversen. The winning concept was presented at the Paris Air Show in 2023 and has now been applied to the first A350F test aircraft.
The rollout marks an important milestone for Airbus as it seeks to establish a stronger position in the large widebody freighter market, where Boeing has traditionally held a dominant position.
Derived from the A350 family, the A350F is designed to carry up to 111 tonnes of payload over a range of up to 8,700 kilometres. The aircraft is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines and incorporates more than 70% advanced materials in its airframe.
Airbus says the aircraft will offer up to a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared with previous-generation freighters with a similar payload-range capability. It is also designed to meet the enhanced International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) CO₂ standards that take effect in 2027.
A key feature for cargo operators is the A350F’s main-deck cargo door. With a clear opening 4.3 metres wide and 3.15 metres high, Airbus describes it as the largest main-deck cargo door in the industry. The composite door is designed to facilitate the loading and unloading of oversized cargo while improving handling efficiency.
The A350F has already attracted significant interest from cargo operators, airlines and lessors. Airbus had 107 firm orders for the aircraft from 14 customers by July 2026, according to figures reported in August. Atlas Air’s order for 20 A350Fs, announced in March, is the largest single order for the type to date.
Other customers include Etihad Airways, Starlux Airlines, Air China, Cathay Pacific and Korean Air. Cathay Group increased its commitment to eight A350Fs in May, while Starlux has a total of 10 aircraft on firm order.
The first aircraft’s rollout follows an extensive ground-test programme. Airbus has been testing the A350F’s cargo loading system and main-deck cargo door on dedicated rigs in Bremen, while the first test aircraft has undergone ground testing in Toulouse, including a ground vibration test completed in June.
Two A350F aircraft are being prepared for the flight-test programme, which will assess the freighter’s handling, performance, systems and cargo-related capabilities before certification. Airbus is targeting first customer deliveries in the second half of 2027, although the timetable will depend on the progress of the flight-test and certification campaign.
The A350F is intended to give operators a new-generation alternative in the large freighter segment, combining the A350 family’s composite structure and aerodynamic technology with a purpose-built cargo configuration.
With the first test aircraft now assembled and carrying its unmistakable parcel-themed livery, the programme is approaching its most significant milestone yet: getting the A350F airborne.
