Airbus is now in the final stages of preparing its A350 freighter prototype for flight tests as it works towards its goal of starting to deliver the new generation model to customers by the end of next year.
Joël Rocker, chief engineer for the A350F, said in a video shared on LinkedIn by Crawford Hamilton, Airbus’ head of freighter marketing, that the first aircraft will undergo checks in the flight line before moving to flight testing, and the second aircraft will follow the same process.
Speaking about first aircraft, which has now been painted, Rocker said that “the aircraft will be prepared for the flight line before being handed over to the flight test community for the flight test period”.
He added: “The second aircraft is soon after going to follow the same processes and this aircraft is (going through) the final assembly line cycle.”
Rocker further stated: “Important to note that on these aircraft we’ve completed the testing we had to do to prepare for the flight test, particularly the important one(s)…loading the aircraft with the cargo loading system, closing the door, doing the pressure test, with all equipment, all systems installed, all this is now behind us.”
Last month, Airbus unveiled the livery of its first A350 freighter on a social media post, with the aircraft decked out to look like a parcel.
Reuters also reported that the first flight of the A350F was expected to take place towards the end of September.
Airbus is hoping to start to deliver the aircraft to customers by the end of next year.
The company is targeting simultaneous certification from EASA and the FAA under the latest Amendment 27 safety regulations.
The airframer said earlier this year that certification is targeted by the middle of next year.
