{"id":158894,"date":"2026-09-26T13:03:24","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T07:33:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=158894"},"modified":"2026-09-26T13:03:26","modified_gmt":"2026-09-26T07:33:26","slug":"airbus-a350f-first-flight-set-for-september-29","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/26\/airbus-a350f-first-flight-set-for-september-29\/","title":{"rendered":"Airbus A350F First Flight Set for September 29 After High-Speed Tests"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

TOULOUSE\u2014<\/strong> Airbus is preparing to fly its new <\/a>A350F <\/a>freighter for the first time on September 29, marking a major milestone in the development of its next-generation cargo aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The maiden flight is scheduled for 10:20 a.m. local time from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS)<\/a>, subject to weather and operational conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first test aircraft, MSN700 with registration F-WXLD, has completed two high-speed rejected-takeoff tests in Toulouse as Airbus moves into the final stage before flight testing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aircraft will begin a certification campaign involving two A350Fs and approximately 400 flight-test hours over about nine months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Airbus
Photo: Airbus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A350F Completes Final Ground Tests<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The rejected-takeoff tests followed several important ground-testing milestones for MSN700. Airbus previously completed ground vibration testing, which helped engineers validate structural and aeroelastic models before the aircraft entered its flight-test programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The A350F has also undergone testing of its cargo systems, pressurisation and main-deck cargo door. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The freighter uses an electrically operated cargo door with a 4.3-metre-wide and 3.15-metre-high clear opening, designed to support the loading of standard cargo containers and pallets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MSN700 is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines and combines elements of the A350-900 and A350-1000<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its unique fuselage configuration and landing-gear geometry require Airbus to validate a specific aerodynamic model rather than relying entirely on existing A350 data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Airbus
Photo: Airbus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virtual Flight Prepares Crew For Firstflight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before the physical aircraft takes to the sky, Airbus<\/a> has completed its Virtual First Flight programme using a development simulator linked to real aircraft avionics test benches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The programme helped engineers validate systems, flight-control laws and failure procedures while preparing the flight-test crews for the maiden flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first flight will deliberately use Direct Law, giving the pilots more direct control instead of the flight-envelope and stability protections available in Normal Law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Airbus said about 10% of the A350F\u2019s aerodynamic characteristics still rely on an unverified model that must be confirmed during flight testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ready for a special delivery? \ud83d\udce6

Tune in to our X live broadcast of the A350F maiden flight:
\ud83d\udcc6 29 September 2026
\u231a\ufe0f10:20 GMT+2

Note: this event remains subject to essential operational requirements, including weather conditions. pic.twitter.com\/2qrSSk2qBg<\/a><\/p>— Airbus (@Airbus) September 25, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>