Airbus Completes First Set of Wings for A350 Freighter, Marking a Milestone in Air Cargo Innovation

Airbus Completes First Set of Wings for A350 Freighter, Marking a Milestone in Air Cargo Innovation

(IN BRIEF) Airbus has completed the first set of wings for the A350 freighter (A350F) at its Broughton site, marking a significant milestone in the development of the world’s most advanced freighter aircraft. These wings are designed similarly to the A350 passenger aircraft, enabling operational efficiencies and industrial improvements. The A350F promises improved fuel efficiency, lower CO2 emissions, and enhanced cargo capacity, making it a game-changer in the air cargo sector. With over 1,400 orders for the A350, including 63 A350F, Airbus Broughton will continue playing a pivotal role in supporting the aircraft’s future growth.

(PRESS RELEASE) BROUGHTON, 2-Jun-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Airbus has reached a significant milestone at its Broughton site with the completion of the first-ever set of wings for the new A350 freighter aircraft (A350F). These wings are designed similarly to those of the A350 passenger aircraft, allowing them to be manufactured on the same production line, which offers operational efficiencies and industrial benefits.

The A350F is engineered as the world’s most advanced freighter aircraft, designed to meet the growing needs of the global air cargo industry. Like the A350 widebody passenger aircraft, the A350F wings utilize the latest composite material technology, reducing weight and enhancing aerodynamic efficiency, contributing to the aircraft’s superior performance.

Airbus is currently constructing two A350F test aircraft, which will undergo flight testing throughout 2026 and 2027. Once completed, the wings will be transported from Broughton to Bremen via Airbus’ iconic BelugaXL freighter for final equipping before being shipped to Toulouse to be joined with the fuselage of the first test aircraft.

Paul Kilmister, Head of Widebody Wings at Airbus Broughton, expressed pride in this achievement: “This is a proud moment for everyone at Broughton, completing the first-ever A350F wingset. With almost 1,400 orders for the A350, including 63 A350F, Broughton will continue to play a critical role in the future of the programme, supporting Airbus’ growth in both passenger and freight markets. The A350F is poised to shape the future of air freight, offering operators a more efficient and versatile solution for decades to come.”

The A350F is setting a new benchmark in the air cargo sector with its impressive features:

• Improved efficiency: It offers at least 20% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to existing freighters in service.
• Better loading capacity: The A350F boasts the industry’s largest cargo door, with a 4.3-meter wide opening, facilitating easier, faster, and safer loading and unloading for ground operations teams.
• Extended range: The aircraft can fly up to 8,700 km, with a payload capacity of up to 111 tons.

Airbus Broughton has a long history of excellence in wing manufacturing, producing wing structures for Airbus aircraft for over 50 years.

Media Contact:

Victoria Grayling
AIRBUS | Commercial Aircraft
+44 771 786 6869
victoria.grayling@airbus.com

SOURCE: AIRBUS