Airbus has completed the first set of wings for its A350 freighter at the Broughton site in north Wales. The wings, designed similarly to those of the A350 passenger aircraft, will bring industrial and operational efficiency gains through shared production lines.

The A350F, developed as a next-generation cargo aircraft, uses advanced composite materials to cut weight and improve aerodynamic performance. Two test aircraft are being built and will fly in 2026 and 2027.

The completed wings are being sent from Broughton to Bremen via the BelugaXL for final equipping before moving on to Toulouse where they will be joined to the fuselage.

Paul Kilmister, head of widebody wings at Airbus Broughton, said: “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 passenger and freight markets.”

He added: “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 features 20% lower fuel burn and emissions than current freighters, a wide 4.3-metre cargo door, and a payload range of up to 111 tonnes over 8,700 km.

Broughton has been building Airbus wing structures for more than 50 years.