Airbus Advances A350F Assembly Milestones
Airbus has reached key milestones in the production of its new A350 freighter as major components arrive at the final assembly line in Toulouse, France. The company confirmed that the entire fuselage for the first A350F has now been delivered, including the fully equipped aft section shipped from Hamburg, Germany.
This progress marks a significant step forward for the A350F program, which aims to bring a next-generation, fuel-efficient freighter to market to compete with Boeing’s 777F and forthcoming 777-8F. Airbus has also completed production of the first set of wings and the horizontal stabilizer this year, further accelerating the build process.
The A350F is based on the A350-1000 passenger jet but features a redesigned main deck cargo door, a strengthened fuselage and landing gear, and optimized systems to meet freighter requirements. With a payload capacity of around 109 tons, it is designed to deliver double-digit fuel burn and emissions reductions compared to current-generation freighters, meeting ICAO’s new CO₂ standards.
Airbus A350F vs. Boeing 777-8F
The Airbus A350F’s primary rival is Boeing’s forthcoming 777-8F, a next-generation, high-efficiency twin-engine freighter. Boeing’s current 777-300ERF also competes in the segment but offers a smaller payload capacity. The 777-8F, however, is positioned as the A350F’s direct competitor, designed to match its range and efficiency with a modern, purpose-built freighter platform.
| Airbus A350F | Boeing 777-8F | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Payload | 109 to 111 tons | 112 to 118 tons, 777-300ERF 103 tons |
| Airframe | Over 70% of the airframe is made from advanced composite materials, making it significantly lighter than previous-generation freighters. | Based on the larger Boeing 777-8 airframe. |
| Fuel Efficiency | Highly fuel-efficient due to its advanced materials and optimized design. | Expected to be very fuel-efficient, with around a 25% improvement over the older 777-300ERF. |
| Entry Into Service | Expected to enter service around 2026. | Targeted to enter service around 2027 or 2028. |
Airbus has secured several launch customers, including Air France-KLM and Singapore Airlines, reflecting strong interest from carriers seeking more efficient widebody cargo aircraft. Final assembly of the first A350F will continue through 2025 ahead of its planned first flight and entry into service later in the decade.
Industry observers see the program as central to Airbus’s strategy to challenge Boeing’s dominance in the dedicated freighter market, offering airlines a modern, environmentally compliant platform for long-haul cargo operations.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, airbus.com, boeing.com