First A350F airframe rolled out from final assembly line

Airbus has rolled the first A350F freighter out of its main assembly line in Toulouse recently. The milestone comes at a time when the manufacturer is beginning to overcome problems with suppliers that delayed the freighter aircraft’s schedule.

The A350F, initially scheduled to enter service in 2025, had its schedule pushed back after disruptions with aerostructure supplier Spirit Aerosystems.

Launched in November 2021, the A350F was developed to meet the emissions standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which are due to come into effect in 2027 and will end the production of the Boeing 767F and 777F.

The twinjet is designed to carry up to 111 tonnes over 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 kilometers). The aircraft will enter a competitive segment, going up against Boeing’s 777-8F.

Airbus’ delays have given its American rival more time to advance its own program in the large twin-aisle cargo aircraft market; however, Boeing is grappling with its own difficulties with the new 777X series, whose first model, the 777-9, will only enter service in 2027.

The prototype of the 777-8F freighter, which will carry more cargo than the A350F, only began assembly a few months ago.

By October, Airbus had secured 74 firm orders for the A350F. In November, Air China Cargo signed for six aircraft, adding to the program’s backlog.

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