Airbus has secured eight orders for its soon-to-launch A350 freighter from an unnamed customer.
The order for the eight freighters was secured on 31 August and was listed on the airframer’s orders and deliveries report for the month.
In total, Airbus has now secured orders for 115 A350 freighters from at least 14 customers.
The order comes as Airbus prepares to start its test flight campaign for the model. Last month, Reuters reported that Airbus was hoping to carry out the first flight of the aircraft towards the end of September.
Quoting industry sources, the newswire said the airframer is hopeful the first flight will take place on around 24 September, although there is always the chance that technical issues or inclement weather could push that date back into October.
In response to questions from Air Cargo News, Airbus said: “The maiden flight is expected later in 2026, followed by the first delivery in the second half of 2027.”
Airbus is hoping to start to deliver the aircraft to customers by the end of next year, which would give it a maximum of 14 months to gain certification for the model.
The company is targeting simultaneous certification from EASA and the FAA under the latest Amendment 27 safety regulations.
The last order for the aircraft came in May when Cathay Cargo added an additional two Airbus A350 freighters to its existing order for six of the new-generation aircraft type.
Also in May, Airbus and Air China Cargo confirmed the airline’s purchase agreement for four A350Fs to add to its existing order of six.
In March, Atlas Air also placed a “landmark” order for a total of 20 of the aircraft, with options for 20 more of the model.
Meanwhile, last week, Boeing signed a letter of intent with Indian air cargo solutions company Afcom Holdings Limited for up to four of its rival Boeing 777-8 freighters.
Rumours have also emerged that Ethiopian Airlines is reportedly considering purchasing up to 10 freighters from Boeing, including 777Fs and new generation 777-8Fs.
However, in terms of total confirmed orders, Boeing has secured 81 orders for the 777-8F.
