Airbus has unveiled the first flight-test aircraft for its A350F freighter programme, with aircraft MSN 700 emerging from the Toulouse final assembly line in a distinctive “Flying Parcel” livery. The aircraft is now moving towards flight testing, with Airbus targeting its maiden flight before the end of 2026. Industry sources indicate that a late-September flight, potentially September 24, is being considered, subject to technical checks and weather conditions.

The “Flying Parcel” design was selected through a 2022 Airbus competition that attracted more than 4,000 entries. The winning concept, created by Irish designer John Feehan and Canadian brothers Quinnten and Ellisten Iversen, was unveiled at the 2023 Paris Air Show.

The A350F is designed to carry up to 111 tonnes of payload over 8,700 kilometres and is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. With more than 70% advanced materials in its airframe, Airbus expects the freighter to deliver up to 20% lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared with previous-generation aircraft. Its 4.3-metre-wide by 3.15-metre-high main-deck cargo door is designed to improve the handling of oversized freight.

The programme has secured 107 firm orders from 14 customers, including Atlas Air, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Air China, Etihad Airways and Starlux Airlines. Atlas Air’s 20-aircraft order is currently the largest single A350F order.

Following extensive ground testing in Toulouse and cargo-system testing in Bremen, two A350Fs are being prepared for the flight-test campaign. Airbus is targeting first customer deliveries in the second half of 2027, subject to certification progress. The rollout of MSN 700 marks a major step toward bringing the A350F into the large widebody freighter market.