European aircraft manufacturer Airbus unveiled its first A350F freighter test aircraft, registered as F-WXLD, at its final assembly facility in Toulouse on August 19, 2026. The widebody freighter rolled out of the paint shop featuring a distinctive "flying parcel" livery designed to resemble a shipping package, marking a major milestone for the purpose-built cargo aircraft program.
The unique livery design was created following a public competition hosted by Airbus that attracted approximately 4,000 entries worldwide. The company selected two finalist concepts and combined them into the finished design. The fuselage displays shipping labels and "open here for business" decals over the main cargo door, while retaining Airbus's signature cockpit "raccoon mask" design and standard tail fin graphics.
The F-WXLD aircraft is one of two test airframes that Airbus will utilize during the rigorous flight testing and certification process. Airbus aims to conduct the maiden flight of the A350F as early as September or early October 2026, launching a flight test campaign expected to span over 12 months. The manufacturer targets delivering the first production aircraft to initial customers by the end of 2027.
Based on the popular A350 passenger platform, the twin-engine A350F freighter is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. It is engineered to carry up to 111 tonnes of payload over non-stop distances reaching 8,700 kilometres. According to Airbus, the advanced airframe materials and engine technology enable up to 20% lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation freighters with similar capabilities.
The A350F program has accumulated more than 100 firm orders from customers around the globe, including STARLUX Airlines, Cathay Group, Air China Cargo, and Atlas Air. By bringing the modern widebody freighter into service, Airbus seeks to strengthen its position in the dedicated large freighter market historically dominated by Boeing.
