A350F is closer to flight after first cargo door delivery

The industry’s largest cargo door has moved from Spain to Toulouse for installation on a test aircraft, signalling a shift from assembly into testing phase.

Airbus has completed and delivered the first main deck cargo door for the Airbus A350F from its Illescas facility to the Final Assembly Line in Toulouse, where it will be installed on the first test aircraft and prepared for upcoming evaluations.

The milestone supports a broader pre-series production phase, with two A350F aircraft scheduled for flight testing between 2026 and 2027.

The door, described as the largest in the sector, features a 4.5-metre width and 4.3-metre height. Positioned in the rear fuselage to maintain loading balance, it combines composite construction with an electrically actuated opening system designed to streamline cargo operations.

Illescas remains a core site for Airbus composite manufacturing, producing and assembling large structural elements before shipment for integration. During serial production, the door will move via Hamburg for aft fuselage integration before final transport to Toulouse under Airbus’ established industrial flow.

Ricardo Rojas, President of Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft business in Spain, says: “This milestone demonstrates Spain's key role in the production of our commercial aircraft, including the A350F programme. Delivering the first main deck cargo door is the result of years of preparation and extensive teamwork, showcasing the deep expertise and technical maturity that Illescas plant has refined over decades in composite materials”.

The A350F is designed for long-haul freight operations, offering up to 8,700 kilometres of range and a payload capacity of 111 tonnes. Built with more than 70% advanced materials, it delivers a 46-tonne weight advantage over competing aircraft.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft is expected to cut fuel burn and emissions by up to 20% compared with previous-generation equivalents. It will meet ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ standards and enter service with capability for 50% sustainable aviation fuel, targeting full compatibility by 2030.

As of March 2026, Airbus has secured 101 orders for the A350F from 14 customers.