Airbus has successfully completed the first flight of its A350F freighter, with the first test aircraft (MSN 700) flying for 4 hours and 10 minutes and reaching 25,000 feet.
The maiden flight marks the beginning of a more than nine-month flight-test campaign for the new-generation freighter. The A350F offers a payload of up to 111 tonnes and a range of up to 8,700 km, while promising up to 40% lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared with similar-capability competitor aircraft.
The second prototype, MSN 701, is in advanced final assembly and is expected to enter the paint shop in the coming weeks.
