GETAFE — Airbus has announced a key production milestone on the A350F freighter program with the delivery of the first horizontal stabilizer at its Spanish production centers. 

The vital flight control unit was manufactured at Cádiz and then assembled and equipped at Getafe. It will be shipped to the final assembly site at Toulouse in the weeks ahead to be fitted into the first test A350F aircraft.

Airbus in Spain

Spain continues to be a key contributor to Airbus's wide-body program, producing large items such as the horizontal stabilizer, section 19 of the rear fuselage, and lower wing covers for the A350 passenger and freighter models. 

The A350F's primary deck cargo door, the biggest in the world at 4.3 meters, will also be produced in Spain. Composite material is employed to make the door, enabling faster and more secure handling of freight.

The A350F, the freighter variant of the A350 passenger aircraft, is a next-generation solution to the freighter market. It is also expected to consume 20% less fuel and produce 20% less carbon when compared to other freighters in the market. 

Airbus is currently developing two A350Fs for testing, to fly them in 2026 and 2027. The A350F is poised to revolutionize the freight market, with 66 orders already pending.