Airbus seeks concurrent A350F approvals from FAA, EASA

Airbus plans to obtain A350F certifications from the FAA and EASA simultaneously by completing more than 410 flight test hours over nine months in 2026 with its two A350F prototypes. The European aircraft manufacturer has started testing the actuation systems for the cargo door, oxygen, air distribution and smoke detection ahead of flight tests next year, Laurent Bussiere, lead flight test engineer at Airbus, said during a briefing yesterday on the progress of the A350F program. [caption id="attachment_57293330" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] The winglets are being installed on unit 700. (Courtesy/Airbus)[/caption] The A350F prototypes (700 and 701) will perform specific tasks during the flight test campaign. The effects of air flow and drag on the airframe, cruise performance and handling qualities while measuring the vibration levels of the wing and external control surfaces will be evaluated during different phases of the flight test on Unit 700. It is scheduled to perform 300 flight test hours during the certification process, Bussiere said. The prototype rolled out of a key station this month at the final assembly line in Toulouse (TLS) with its fuselage, wings, painted vertical stabilizer and landing gear all in place, Airbus told Cargo Facts at the Dubai Airshow 2025. Final assembly of unit 700 began over the summer after all its major fuselage sections arrived at TLS. Airbus’ second prototype, 701, expected to begin final assembly in the first half of 2026 , will complete 110 flight hours testing the air conditioning, smoke detection and low-visibility takeoff systems, and provide demonstration flights for customers, the manufacturer said. Each aircraft will also undergo daily ground cargo tests throughout the approval process, including loading and unloading payload with various unit load devices. CMA CGM will take delivery of the first A350F in H2 2027. Airbus now has thirteen customers with firm orders for eighty-two A350Fs: Ten units each for AviLease , Starlux Airlines and Etihad Airways ; Eight for CMA CGM ; Seven each for Singapore Airlines and Korean Air ; Six each for Cathay Pacific and Air China Cargo ; Five for Turkish Airlines ; Four each for Silk Way West and Air France , although parent Air France-KLM said it had canceled one ; Three for Martinair ; and Two for MNG Airlines . Airbus raised its production freighter outlook this year by 3.2%. It is projecting new aircraft deliveries to increase by thirty units to 970 aircraft from 2025 through 2044. Register here for Cargo Facts ’ free webinar, “Full thrust: Navigating engine challenges in the freighter segment,” on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 11 a.m. ET. Cargo Facts LATAM 2026, the essential event for stakeholders in Latin America, will take place Feb. 10-12 at the Marquis Reforma in Mexico City. Learn more and register by Dec. 26 to take advantage of early-bird pricing. Cargo Facts Asia 2026, the indispensable event for Asia-Pacific stakeholders, will take place March 23-25 at the W Shanghai. Learn more and register by Feb. 6 to take advantage of early-bird pricing. The inaugural Cargo Facts Routes and Airport Conference will take place April 27-28 at the Marriott Al Forsan Abu Dhabi. Learn more and register by March 13 to take advantage of early-bird pricing.

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