In Photos: Airbus A350F's First Flight in Toulouse

TOULOUSE — The first Airbus A350F took off from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) on September 29, 2026. Airways managing editor Simone Chellini photographed the freighter at the airfield. His images show the aircraft in flight, its freighter-specific features, and people gathered around it.

Airbus said the first test aircraft, MSN 700, flew for 4 hrs 10 mins and reached 25,000ft. For the flight details and the program's next steps, read Airways' report from Toulouse.

On the Ground

The A350F's package-inspired livery covers the fuselage, while the patterned tail and orange wingtips identify the test aircraft from a distance. The large main-deck cargo door is visible on the left side of the rear fuselage.

Side view of the A350F in its package-themed livery on the airfield. — The first A350F test aircraft, F-WXLD, on the ground at Toulouse-Blagnac. Photo: Simone Chellini/Airways

Rear fuselage of the A350F with its cargo door open and A350F tail visible. — The A350F's open main-deck cargo door and patterned tail, seen from the left side. Photo: Simone Chellini/Airways

Open main-deck cargo door beside the F-WXLD registration. — A closer view of the open cargo door and the F-WXLD registration. Photo: Simone Chellini/Airways

Into the Air

The aircraft appears airborne with its landing gear extended in this view. The first flight began a test campaign that Airbus says will run for more than nine months.

A350F in flight from the side, showing the upper fuselage and wing, with landing gear extended. — The A350F in flight with its landing gear extended. Photo: Simone Chellini/Airways

People and Details

Other frames show people in orange flight suits at the forward door and in the open cargo doorway. Chellini also photographed the group on the apron and a close-up of an A350F patch.