Airbus has completed manufacture of the first horizontal stabiliser (HTP) for the A350F freighter, with production carried out across its Spanish sites. Components were made at the Cádiz plant and assembled and outfitted at Getafe, with the completed HTP set for delivery to Toulouse for joining with the first A350F test aircraft.

Spain’s involvement extends to the horizontal stabiliser, rear fuselage (section 19) and lower wing covers for the A350 and A350F. The freighter’s main deck cargo door, which will be the industry’s largest at 4.3 metres, is also being produced in Spain using composite materials.

Two A350F aircraft are being built for flight testing in 2026 and 2027. The HTP uses the same production line as the passenger version, bringing operational and industrial efficiencies.

Ricardo Rojas, president of Airbus’ commercial aircraft business in Spain, says: “The A350F will offer a clean-sheet, specifically designed solution for air freight transport, bringing more efficiency and versatility to the cargo market.”

The A350F is expected to deliver a 20% reduction in fuel burn and emissions compared to existing cargo aircraft, with range and payload allowing deployment on long-haul global routes.