Airbus finalizes A350 freighter prototype for test flights, certification

Core Insights - Airbus is preparing for a nine-month flight test campaign for the A350 freighter, aiming to have the first aircraft operational by the end of 2027 [1] Group 1: Market Position and Orders - Airbus has 82 firm orders for the A350 freighter from 13 airlines and leasing companies, while Boeing has over 50 orders for its next-generation 777-8 freighter [2] - The company forecasts a 3.3% compounded annual growth rate in shipping demand, leading to a 45% increase in the global fleet of dedicated freighter aircraft to 3,420 units by 2043 [3] Group 2: Aircraft Specifications and Production Plans - The new freighter aircraft will consist of 1,120 small aircraft, 855 mid-size widebodies, and 630 large widebodies, with 1,670 being conversions from passenger aircraft and 935 being production freighters [4] - Production plans include two test aircraft, with the first focusing on flight behavior and the second on systems testing [5][8] Group 3: Certification and Testing - Flight testing will involve approximately 400 hours, as the freighter only requires an upgrade certification from the A350-1000 variant, with unchanged Rolls-Royce Trent engines [6] - Certification processes have become more stringent, prompting Airbus to start preparations a year earlier than initially planned [7]