Airbus finishes first A350F wingset production at Broughton facility
Airbus is building two A350F test aircraft that will undergo flight testing throughout 2026 and 2027.
European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has achieved another milestone in its A350 freighter programme, as its Broughton site has completed the first-ever set of wings for the new A350F.
The A350F’s wings share the same design as the A350, allowing them to be produced on the same assembly line, which brings operational efficiencies and industrial advantages, according to an official release from Airbus.
Similar to the A350 widebody passenger aircraft, the wings incorporate the latest composite material technology, reducing weight and increasing aerodynamic efficiency.
Airbus is building two A350F test aircraft that will undergo flight testing throughout 2026 and 2027. The wings will soon be transported from Broughton to Bremen aboard Airbus’s BelugaXL freighter for final equipping, before being sent to Toulouse to be attached to the fuselage of the first test aircraft, mentions the official release.
“This is a proud moment for everyone at Broughton, completing the first ever A350F wingset. With almost 1,400 orders for the A350, including 63 A350F, Broughton will continue to play a critical role in the future of the programme, supporting Airbus’ growth in passenger and freight markets,” says Paul Kilmister, Head of Widebody Wings, Airbus Broughton.
“The A350F is poised to shape the future of air freight, offering operators a more efficient and versatile solution for decades to come.”
Airbus says the new A350F offers improved efficiency, with at least 20% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions compared to current freighters. It features the industry’s largest cargo door, a 4.3-metre-wide opening, making loading easier, faster, and safer for ground teams. The aircraft can fly up to 8,700 km while carrying a payload of up to 111 tonnes.
In February this year, the aircraft manufacturer announced that A350F engine pylons and tools are now in production.
As of April 2025, Airbus data, the company has received a total of 8 orders for the A350F, including 5 from STRALUX Airlines and 3 from an undisclosed customer.
The aircraft’s service debut has been delayed to late 2027 due to supply chain setbacks, mainly involving Spirit AeroSystems.
