Airbus Targets September Maiden Flight for A350F Freighter to Rival Boeing
Airbus A350F Freighter: Timeline, Challenges, and Market Impact
By Tim Hepher
Maiden Flight Plans and Certification Timeline
PARIS, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Airbus has tentatively set the first flight of its delayed A350F freighter for late September as it tries to loosen Boeing's grip on airborne trade, industry sources said on Tuesday.
The schedule, which could slip into early October, leaves the European planemaker with a finely balanced certification timeline as it aims to complete flight testing and achieve the first delivery to customers before the end of next year.
Flight Testing Duration
Flight trials usually take 12 to 15 months, industry sources say.
Official Airbus Statement
An Airbus spokesperson said it had nothing to add to its most recent predictions of a maiden flight before the end of this year, followed by first delivery in the second half of 2027.
Key Dates and Delays
Industry sources said organisers were aiming for a window centred on a preferred date of September 24, subject to last-minute technical glitches or weather.
Original Launch and Market Goals
Originally launched in 2021 with a goal of entering service four years later, the dedicated freighter version of Airbus's A350 long-haul jet family aims to penetrate a corner of the aircraft market long dominated by Boeing.
Sales Comparison: A350F vs A330F
Airbus has sold 107 of the lightweight composite A350F cargo planes, compared with 38 of a smaller and older A330F model.
Production and Delivery Delays
Reuters reported in May that Airbus was facing delays in cargo doors built by Airbus in Spain for the new freighter.
Aviation publication Leeham News reported this month that A350F deliveries could slip into 2028.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Tim HepherEditing by Susan Fenton and David Goodman)