Airbus has moved into the production phase of its first A350 freighter after completing delivery of all major components to its final assembly line in Toulouse.
The aircraft, known as MSN 700, will be built over the coming months, with the fuselage and wings now ready for assembly.
Airbus plans to carry out initial flight tests in 2026, ahead of the freighter’s entry into service in the second half of 2027.
Fuselage sections were transported from Airbus facilities in France and Germany using Beluga XL aircraft, specially designed for oversized cargo.
The central sections arrived in Toulouse on 19 August, followed by the forward sections two days later. The rear fuselage, produced in Hamburg, completed the delivery of the aircraft’s primary structures.
Joost van der Heijden, Airbus senior vice-president of marketing said: “The assembly of these sections will begin in the coming weeks.
The A350F, derived from the A350-1000 passenger aircraft, has been adapted specifically for cargo operations.
It will be capable of carrying around 111 tonnes over a range of 4,700 nautical miles. Among its distinguishing features is a main deck cargo door measuring 175 inches wide, designed to streamline loading operations.
Airbus is building two prototypes of the model for a certification and flight test programme expected to run through 2026 and 2027.
The freighter is being launched to meet growing demand for new-generation, fuel-efficient cargo aircraft.
