The first unit of the Airbus A350F cargo aircraft is set to make its maiden flight on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from Toulouse-Blagnac. The manufacturer has planned a live broadcast starting at 10:20 local time on its X account, though the flight may be delayed due to weather or operational needs. This flight marks the beginning of a test campaign that will last approximately 400 hours, leading to certification expected by mid-2027. The aircraft, known as MSN700 and registered F-WXLD, is the first of two prototypes. It has already undergone two high-speed abort takeoff tests earlier in the month, as part of ground checks before its first flight. The flight is expected to last about four hours, with the aircraft heading southwest from Toulouse-Blagnac. As of the time of writing, the aircraft is still airborne, with an estimated return to Toulouse in the early afternoon. The A350F is designed to carry up to 111 tonnes of cargo and is equipped with a large freight door measuring nearly 4.5 meters in width. This door is intended to allow the loading of large items, such as aircraft engines, and is the largest of its kind in commercial aviation. The aircraft will be operated by five crew members, including two pilots and three flight test specialists, who will collect data on aerodynamic and structural performance. The A350F is based on the Airbus A350 platform but is not simply a passenger aircraft with seats removed. Its fuselage, 70.80 meters long, is tailored for cargo, combining the front section of the A350-900 with the wings and rear section of the A350-1000. This design requires thorough testing to verify its aerodynamic behavior and flight control systems. The first flight will be conducted in Direct Law, a flight control mode that precedes the full validation of the aircraft's specific control laws. Airbus plans to conduct around 400 hours of flight tests using two prototypes over a nine-month period. The A350F aims to compete with Boeing's freighter models, such as the 777F and the 747, in the long-haul cargo market. Airbus has received 115 confirmed orders for the A350F, with Atlas Air being the largest customer, having ordered 20 units. The company forecasts that the global demand for freighter aircraft will reach 630 additional units by 2044, including both new aircraft and conversions of passenger planes. The successful first flight from Toulouse is a significant milestone, marking the start of a long process toward certification and commercial service, which is expected to begin in the second half of 2027.