First A350F Cargo Door Delivered from Spain to Toulouse as Airbus Prepares for Freighter Flight Testing Phase

First A350F Cargo Door Delivered from Spain to Toulouse as Airbus Prepares for Freighter Flight Testing Phase

(IN BRIEF) Airbus has delivered the first main deck cargo door for its A350F freighter, produced at its Illescas plant in Spain and sent to Toulouse for integration into the first test aircraft. The milestone supports the broader A350F development programme, with two aircraft scheduled for flight testing between 2026 and 2027. The cargo door, the largest in the industry, is designed to enhance operational efficiency and safety, while the aircraft itself offers long-range capability, high payload capacity, and significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. Built using advanced materials and powered by modern engines, the A350F is positioned as a next-generation freighter aligned with future environmental standards and growing global cargo demand.

(PRESS RELEASE) TOULOUSE, 23-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Airbus has completed the production and assembly of the first main deck cargo door for its A350F freighter at its Illescas facility in Spain, marking a significant step forward in the aircraft’s development programme. The component has now been transported to the Final Assembly Line in Toulouse, where it will be installed onto the fuselage of the first test aircraft ahead of upcoming testing phases. Airbus plans to build two A350F aircraft for flight testing between 2026 and 2027.

The newly produced cargo door stands out as the largest of its kind in the aviation industry, featuring a cut-out width of 4.5 metres and a height of 4.3 metres. Its design is intended to streamline cargo operations by making loading and unloading faster, safer, and more efficient. Positioned in the rear section of the fuselage to maintain optimal balance during cargo handling, the door is constructed from advanced composite materials and incorporates an electrically powered opening and closing system.

The Illescas facility, one of Airbus’ key centres for manufacturing complex composite structures, is responsible for producing the door’s outer skins and assembling the complete unit before delivery for integration. During the pre-series phase, these first cargo doors will be fitted in Toulouse. Once the programme transitions to serial production, future doors will be shipped to Hamburg, where they will be integrated into the aft fuselage and equipped with actuation systems before being transported to Toulouse for final assembly.

Ricardo Rojas highlighted the milestone as a reflection of Spain’s central contribution to Airbus’ commercial aircraft programmes, noting that the delivery of the first cargo door is the result of extensive preparation, collaboration, and decades of expertise in composite manufacturing at the Illescas site.

The A350F is being developed as a next-generation cargo aircraft designed to meet the evolving requirements of the global air freight sector. It offers a range of up to 8,700 kilometres and can carry payloads of up to 111 tonnes, enabling efficient long-haul operations. Built with more than 70% advanced materials, the aircraft is approximately 46 tonnes lighter than competing models.

Equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the A350F is expected to deliver up to 20% lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to earlier-generation freighters with similar capabilities. It is also the only freighter currently designed to fully comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization 2027 CO₂ emission standards. At entry into service, the aircraft will be capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel, with a target of reaching 100% compatibility by 2030, in line with Airbus’ broader sustainability objectives.

As of the end of March 2026, the A350F programme has secured 101 orders from 14 customers, reflecting strong market demand for more efficient and environmentally advanced cargo aircraft.

Media Contacts:

Carmen Pliego
AIRBUS
Commercial Aircraft
+34 615 503 651
carmen.pliego-rejano@airbus.com

Sandrine Cazes
AIRBUS
Commercial Aircraft
+33 6 12 95 10 37
sandrine.cazes@airbus.com

SOURCE: AIRBUS