The A350 freighter has completed its first flight from Toulouse, beginning a nine-month programme of testing ahead of certification. The aircraft flew for four hours and 10 minutes on Tuesday, September 29, reached 25,000 feet and carried a five-person crew, including three test engineers.
Early work is focused on airworthiness, handling qualities and essential systems. A second prototype is nearing completion and is expected to enter the paint shop within weeks. Once flight testing is complete, the programme is expected to move towards European Union Aviation Safety Agency type certification. First commercial deliveries are scheduled for late 2027.
Derived from the A350-1000 passenger aircraft, the freighter combines widebody capacity with a cargo-specific layout. Its 175-inch main-deck door is positioned behind the wing, allowing simultaneous loading of the main deck and lower holds. A reinforced metallic floor and digitally controlled pallet-positioning system are intended to support demanding cargo operations.
The aircraft is designed to carry up to 111 tonnes. Commonality with the passenger version may reduce the complexity of pilot training and fleet integration. Composite materials are also intended to lower weight, with the manufacturer claiming fuel consumption and carbon emissions could fall by up to 40% compared with some older freighters.
The programme has 103 orders from 14 customers. As ageing aircraft leave service and available capacity remains under pressure, airlines, cargo operators and forwarders will be watching certification progress and delivery timing closely.
A multilingual professional experienced in Europe, Canada, and China, Herbert has developed invaluable networks in the automotive and energy industries. He has led high-profile projects involving ENBW, Mercedes-Benz Group, Siemens Group, and the Fraunhofer Institute.