Airbus has achieved a significant milestone at its Broughton facility by completing the first set of wings for the A350 freighter aircraft, known as the A350F.
This accomplishment highlights the site’s expertise in wing manufacturing and underscores Airbus’ commitment to advancing the global air cargo industry.
The A350F wings share a similar design to those of the A350 passenger aircraft, allowing production on the same assembly line.
This streamlined approach delivers operational and industrial benefits, boosting efficiency. By leveraging advanced composite materials, the wings are lighter and more aerodynamically efficient, reducing fuel consumption and enhancing performance.
Airbus A350F Widebody Freighter
Designed as the world’s most advanced freighter, the A350F meets the growing demands of the air cargo market. It offers unmatched efficiency, with at least 20% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions compared to existing freighters.
The aircraft features the industry’s largest cargo door, measuring 4.3 meters wide. This simplifies and speeds up loading while improving safety for ground crews.
The freighter configuration boasts a range of up to 8,700 kilometres. Matched with a payload capacity of 111 tons, the A350F is built for long-haul versatility.
Two Test Aircraft
Airbus is constructing two A350F test aircraft, set to undergo flight testing in 2026 and 2027. The newly completed wings will soon travel from Broughton to Bremen aboard the iconic BelugaXL freighter for final equipping.
From there, they will head to Toulouse to be integrated with the fuselage of the first test aircraft.
Paul Kilmister, Head of Widebody Wings at Airbus Broughton, shared his pride in the production achievement. “Completing the first A350F wingset is a moment of pride for our team.”
“With nearly 1,400 A350 orders, including 63 for the A350F, Broughton remains central to Airbus’ success in both passenger and freight markets.” He added that the A350F is poised to redefine air freight with its efficiency and versatility, serving operators for decades.
Conclusion
The Broughton site, with over 50 years of wing-making expertise, continues to play a pivotal role in Airbus’ growth. As the A350F program progresses, it sets a new standard for sustainable and efficient air cargo transport, reinforcing Airbus’ leadership in aerospace innovation.
This milestone not only celebrates technical achievement but also positions the A350F as a game-changer in the freight industry, ready to meet future global demands with cutting-edge technology.
