POLITICS

Airbus Flies New A350F Freighter on Maiden Flight, Targeting US Rival Boeing and Integrating Kerina

PUBLISHED Sep 29, 2026, 4:53 AM ET

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Airbus Flies New A350F Freighter on Maiden Flight, Targeting US Rival Boeing and Integrating Kerina

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 22

Center 100%

Sources: 22

Airbus completed the maiden flight of its new A350F cargo freighter on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, departing from Toulouse, France. The first flight test aircraft, designated MSN700, took off at 10:30 a.m. Central European Time for a four hour evaluation. This milestone initiates a nine month flight test campaign consisting of approximately 400 flight hours, with commercial service entry targeted for the second half of 2027. The widebody freighter features a composite airframe, Rolls-Royce engines, and an industry leading main deck cargo door. Designed to carry up to 111 tonnes, the A350F aims to challenge Boeing dominance in the large cargo aircraft market. To date, Airbus has secured 115 firm orders from 14 international customers, including major operators like Atlas Air and Air China Cargo. The successful inaugural flight marks a critical step forward for European aerospace manufacturing in capturing vital global trade market share from its American rival Boeing.

By Neha R. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On July 28, 2021: Airbus officially launched the A350F cargo program.
On November 14, 2025: Air China Cargo ordered new A350F freighters.
On March 16, 2026: Atlas Air placed massive order for freighters.
On April 23, 2026: Spain completed first main deck cargo door.
On May 26, 2026: Air China Cargo increased total freighter orders.
On June 15, 2026: Engineers completed ground vibration testing in France.
On August 31, 2026: Airbus confirmed eight additional firm freighter orders.
On September 14, 2026: Airbus detailed virtual first flight simulation tests.
On September 26, 2026: Media outlets confirmed the maiden flight schedule.
On September 29, 2026: MSN700 successfully completed maiden test flight.
Expectation: Commercial service entry is scheduled for late 2027.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Intensifies competitive pressure on Boeing in cargo aircraft market.
Possible long-term US impact: Shifts global aerospace supply chain dynamics and market share.
Most affected groups: American aerospace manufacturers, commercial airlines, freight operators, and investors.
Reader Priorities: Flight test updates, certification milestones, and airline order commitments.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 22
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 22
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Explain Framing

Left: Emphasizes environmental efficiencies and competitive challenge to US manufacturing. Center: Focuses on commercial milestone, flight testing, and market competition. Right: Highlights corporate rivalry, manufacturing investments, and global market dominance.