Airbus’ first A350F freighter, MSN700, is entering the final stages of preparation for its maiden flight, which is expected before the end of September 2026. Flight-test crews are rehearsing the flight in a development simulator while engineers complete key ground checks.
The aircraft is undergoing checks on flight controls, air-data systems, smoke detection and other equipment. Although based on the A350 family, the A350F features a unique fuselage configuration that creates a new aerodynamic model, requiring a dedicated flight-test campaign.
Following the first flight, Airbus plans around 400 hours of testing using two A350F test aircraft, MSN700 and MSN701, as the programme moves toward certification. The campaign is expected to run for about nine months.
MSN700 also stands out for its unusual parcel-box-inspired livery, unveiled earlier this month. The design was selected through a public competition that received more than 4,000 submissions, with two winning concepts combined into the final aircraft scheme.
