Aviation News – Airbus has delivered the first A350F main deck cargo door from Spain to Toulouse, marking a key milestone in the freighter’s development and upcoming flight testing.
Airbus has completed manufacturing and assembly of the first A350F main deck cargo door at its Illescas facility in Spain, with the component now delivered to the Final Assembly Line in Toulouse. The door will be integrated into the fuselage of the first test aircraft, as the programme moves toward flight testing scheduled between 2026 and 2027.
The Illescas plant, one of Airbus’ leading centres for advanced composite manufacturing, produced the door’s structural skins and carried out final assembly before shipment. Airbus plans to build two A350F aircraft for its flight test campaign, supporting certification and entry-into-service preparations. The development of the A350F freighter reflects growing demand for more efficient, next-generation cargo aircraft.
The main deck cargo door stands out as the largest in the industry, with a 4.5-metre width and 4.3-metre height. Positioned in the rear fuselage to maintain optimal centre of gravity during loading, it is constructed from composite materials and features an electrical actuation system for opening and closing. This design enhances loading efficiency while improving operational safety and turnaround times.
