Huge Airbus A350F Update

After several months of crucial work, the newest model in the A350 series, the A350F, has commenced its assembly.

Being delivered across European sites to Toulouse, crucial parts of the upcoming dedicated freighter have been shipped, ranging from the wings to the front, centre and rear fuselage sections.

With these core parts, along with other components, all arriving in the same zone, Airbus has taken the next step in the right direction towards launching the program by finally assembling the first unit.

Airbus remains on track to deliver the A350F to customers awaiting the jet in the second half of 2027. This follows a most recent delay to the program, which was confirmed in February 2025.

The planemaker held hopes of delivering the first unit in 2026 and achieving a first flight in the backend of 2025; however, as this timeline approached, it became increasingly more likely that this would not be a realistic proposition.

As a result of time running out, paired with other obstacles across the manufacturer, which has affected output rates for years now, the business confirmed the delay.

The Airbus A350F, however, essentially symbolises a milestone for the planemaker as it seeks to compete more effectively with Boeing and offer a next-generation dedicated freighter product.

Boeing has long been considered the industry leader in the freighter market. Despite Airbus offering its freighter variants, conversions, and more, its programs have never quite hit the heights of the American planemakers’ alternatives.

With the dawn of new long-haul commercial aircraft debuting, at times planemakers have attempted to find ways to convert the passenger model into a freighter variant as well, this A350F wil rival the 777-8F from Boeing.

A Busy Period For The A350F

It has been an intensely busy period for the Airbus A350F, with CMA CGM only in August confirming that it would become the new launch customer of the dedicated freighter.

This move by the French logistics firm means it’ll replace Air Lease Corporation, which has cancelled both an existing order and a long-standing one for the A350F in a bid to focus on passenger aircraft moving forward.

The primary focus over the last three months has not only been on the progress of this dedicated freighter as it moves into the assembly halls, but also on the cancellations that have taken place.

Air France-KLM also stated throughout this year that it would reduce the number of dedicated freighters it would take delivery of, notably as visible in July’s trimming of an order destined for Martinair.

Some operators have reduced orders as they assess the cargo market and hold a consensus that their orders can be scaled back due to softening demand, a trend also common among passenger airlines adjusting their fleet outlook.

However, there has also been considerable discussion surrounding the delays that have affected the program, which have prompted operators to reduce their orders, as the delays have disrupted their planning.