Airbus A350 Freighter Completes Maiden Flight

The Airbus A350 Freighter completed its first test flight on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The aircraft, with serial number MSN700 and registration F-WXLD, took off from Toulouse Blagnac Airport at 10:20 AM Central European Summer Time.

This maiden flight marks the official start of the flight-test programme for the new cargo jet. A crew of five was on board, consisting of two pilots and three flight-test engineers. The flight was conducted in Direct Law, meaning pilots used direct control without the aircraft's normal automated flight-control protections.

Flight Test Programme

The programme will involve approximately 400 flight-test hours across two aircraft, MSN700 and MSN701. Primary objectives for the campaign include evaluating the aircraft's aerodynamic performance, handling qualities, and autopilot systems.

Extensive preparation preceded the flight. Airbus completed two high-speed rejected take-off tests on September 24. A ground vibration test was conducted in June. The team also ran 13 simulator sessions, each around five hours long, which Airbus stated were 90% representative of the actual aircraft.

Operational Context

The flight occurred under special test activity conditions at Toulouse Blagnac Airport. A notice to airmen, or NOTAM, warned that "arrival and departure holding times exceeding 30 minutes may be imposed due to special test activity involving a 30-minute suspension of movements." The schedule was subject to change based on weather and operational requirements.

Live coverage of the event was broadcast on Airbus's official social media channels, including its X account and a dedicated first-flight hub.

Aircraft Specifications

The A350 Freighter is a cargo variant of the A350 family, designed to replace older freighters with improved fuel efficiency. Its airframe is predominantly carbon-fibre, a feature Airbus claims is unique among current market freighters. The aircraft combines the forward fuselage length of the A350-900 with the rear fuselage and wings of the A350-1000, and it has a new landing gear geometry for ground handling.

The wings for the aircraft are manufactured at Airbus's plant in Broughton, Flintshire, North Wales.

Airbus is targeting certification from European and US regulators in 2027. First customer deliveries are expected in the second half of that year. Continued testing is now underway to achieve those goals.