The Airbus A350F freighter, the first of two test aircraft, has successfully completed its maiden flight. The aircraft, fitted with special flight test instrumentation, flew for four hours and 10 minutes, reaching an altitude of 25,000 feet. A dedicated Airbus Flight Test crew was at the controls during the flight. This achievement marks a significant step forward in the development of the A350F, which is designed to meet the evolving demands of the global air freight market.
The maiden flight was a major milestone for the A350F and its customers worldwide, according to Lars Wagner, Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. He expressed his pride in the dedication and hard work of all the teams involved in making this achievement possible. The A350F is a true game-changer for the air cargo market, offering unmatched operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, and range. With its advanced materials and latest technology, the aircraft is poised to revolutionize the air freight industry.
The second A350F prototype is currently at an advanced stage of final assembly and is expected to enter the paint shop in the coming weeks. During the inaugural flight, the crew carried out tests focused on verifying the basic airworthiness, fundamental flying qualities, and ensuring basic systems perform as predicted. These tests are crucial in validating the aircraft's performance and paving the way for the start of an over nine-month flight test campaign.
The A350F is designed to be the world's most advanced cargo aircraft, with a range capability of up to 8,700 kilometres and a payload of up to 111 tonnes. This allows operators to deploy the aircraft on international long-haul routes, making it an attractive option for airlines and cargo operators. The aircraft's advanced materials and lightweight design make it 46 tonnes lighter in maximum take-off weight compared to competitor aircraft.
The A350F is powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, which bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40 per cent compared to competitor aircraft with a similar payload-range capability. The aircraft is also the first new freighter to fully meet the latest ICAO CO₂ emission standards, making it an environmentally friendly option for the air freight industry.
The A350F has already recorded 115 orders from 14 disclosed customers, capturing up to 59 per cent market share in the large freighter category. This impressive demand is a testament to the aircraft's capabilities and the industry's confidence in its potential. With its advanced technology and environmentally friendly design, the A350F is poised to become a leading player in the air cargo market.
The successful completion of the maiden flight marks a significant milestone in the development of the A350F. With its advanced materials, latest technology, and environmentally friendly design, the aircraft is set to revolutionize the air freight industry. As the flight test campaign progresses, Airbus will continue to validate the aircraft's performance and capabilities, paving the way for its entry into service.
Key points
- The A350F freighter completed its maiden flight, marking a major milestone in its development.
- The aircraft offers unmatched operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, and range, making it a game-changer for the air cargo market.
- The A350F has already recorded 115 orders from 14 disclosed customers, capturing up to 59 per cent market share in the large freighter category.
