Airbus finalizes A350 freighter prototype for test flights, certification

Airbus is conducting rigorous systems ground tests as it gears up for a nine-month campaign of flight tests for the all-new A350 freighter beginning next October with hopes of getting the first aircraft in service by the end of 2027. Airbus has passenger-to-freighter conversion programs for smaller aircraft, but until 2021 had never participated in the large freighter market. It currently has 82 firm orders from 13 airlines and leasing companies, compared to more than 50 orders at Boeing for the next-gene ...