DistantNews
🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan /Technology

Airbus Begins Ground Tests for New A350F Freighter

From 24.kg · (2d ago) Russian

Translated from Russian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Airbus has begun ground testing its new A350F freighter aircraft, a new model designed to compete with the Boeing 777F.
  • The A350F boasts a longer range and improved fuel efficiency compared to previous models and its direct competitor.
  • First flight is scheduled for the latter half of 2026, with deliveries expected between 2027 and 2028.

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – 24.kg reports on a significant development in the aviation industry as Airbus commences ground tests for its new A350F freighter. This marks a major step for the European aircraft manufacturer, as it introduces its first all-new freighter aircraft in two decades. The A350F is positioned as a direct competitor to the Boeing 777F, signaling an intensified rivalry in the cargo plane market.

Airbus has begun ground testing its new A350F freighter aircraft with a record range.

— 24.kgIntroduction of the new aircraft and its capabilities.

The article highlights the A350F's advanced features, including a reinforced fuselage, a redesigned cargo floor, and a larger side door, all derived from the passenger A350-1000 model. With a maximum payload of 111 tons and a range of up to 8,700 kilometers, the aircraft promises substantial capacity and reach for global logistics.

This is the corporation's first completely new freighter board in the last 20 years and a direct competitor to the Boeing 777F.

— 24.kgHighlighting the significance of the A350F in the market.

A key selling point emphasized is the A350F's superior fuel efficiency, projected to be 20–25% lower than the Boeing 777F and 40% lower than the older A330-200F. This not only translates to cost savings for operators but also a reduced carbon footprint, aligning with growing environmental concerns in the aviation sector.

The A350F is built on the passenger A350-1000, it has a reinforced fuselage, a redesigned cargo floor, and a new large side door.

— 24.kgDescribing the structural and design features of the aircraft.

The report notes that the first flight is slated for the second half of 2026, with customer deliveries anticipated between 2027 and 2028. Atlas Air, a major US-based customer, has already placed significant orders, indicating strong market confidence in the new freighter. From a Kyrgyz perspective, this advancement in air cargo technology underscores the global push for more efficient and sustainable transportation solutions, a trend that will undoubtedly shape future trade and logistics networks.

The maximum payload is 111 tons, and the flight range with a full load is up to 8,700 kilometers.

— 24.kgDetailing the aircraft's capacity and range.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by 24.kg in Russian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog