Airbus has announced of completing the manufacturing the first horizontal stabiliser (HTP) for the A350F freighter at its plants in Spain. The latest development demonstrates Spain's key role in the production of commercial aircraft, including the A350F programme.
The production of the A350F’s first horizontal stabiliser (HTP) involved the Airbus plant in Cádiz, where parts of the HTP were manufactured, and Getafe, for assembly and outfitting.
This HTP will be shipped to the Airbus Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse in the coming weeks to be joined with the fuselage of the first test aircraft. Airbus is manufacturing two A350F aircraft for flight testing in 2026 and 2027.
The A350F HTP can be manufactured in the same production line as the passenger version, delivering operational and industrial advantages and improvements.
Earlier, on May 30th, Airbus celebrated a major milestone at its Broughton site after completing the first-ever set of wings for the A350F. By March this year, Sections of First Airbus A350F Freighter have started arriving at Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport, (XFW), Germany.
Ricardo Rojas, President of Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft business in Spain, said:
"The A350F will offer a clean-sheet, specifically designed solution for air freight transport, bringing more efficiency and versatility to the cargo market. With more than 1,400 orders for the A350, including 66 A350Fs, Spain plays a key role in this programme that presents the future in air cargo transportion."
All in all, the horizontal stabiliser, rear fuselage (section 19) and lower wing covers for both the A350 and A350F are manufactured in Spain.
In addition, the A350F's main deck cargo door, the largest in the industry, will also be manufactured in Spain. Made from composite materials, it has a 4.3-metre opening, making loading and unloading easier, faster and safer.
Airbus said in its release,
Designed to be the world's most advanced cargo aircraft, the A350F meets the evolving demands of the global air freight market. In terms of efficiency, it will offer at least a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to cargo aircraft currently in service.
Thanks to a range capability of up to 8,700 kilometres with a payload of up to 111 tonnes, it will allow operators to deploy it on international long-haul routes.
Released in its January 2025 report, regarding the Airbus A350F, the European manufacturer has already received 63 aircraft orders as of 31st January 2025.
The order list included 10 aircraft from Starlux, 8 from CMA CGM Air Cargo, 7 from Etihad Cargo, 7 from Air Lease Corporation, 7 from Singapore Airlines Cargo, 6 from Cathay Pacific Cargo, 5 from Turkish Cargo, 4 from Air France, 4 from Martinair, 2 from Silk Way West Airlines, and 3 from an undisclosed customer, totaling 63 aircraft orders.
However, recently, Air Lease Corporation, an aircraft lessor, took a decision to remove Airbus A350F orders from its backlog.
Airbus now aims to be a force for change and shift the dialogue surrounding the sector by introducing its A350F, which will rival the upcoming Boeing 777-8F.
The new deal announced at the 2021 edition of the Dubai Airshow, which included the purchase of seven A350 Freighters, is part of a broader agreement that also included 111 new Airbus aircraft.
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