Airbus Reaches Key Milestone for A350F Program: Production of Industry’s Largest Main Deck Cargo Door Finalized in Spain
Airbus has successfully completed the manufacturing and assembly of the first main deck cargo door for the A350F at its facilities in Illescas, Spain. This essential component has already been delivered to the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse, France, for integration into the first test aircraft, marking a significant step toward the debut of the industry’s most advanced freighter.
Largest Cargo Door in the Industry
The design of the A350F stands out for incorporating a main deck cargo door with unprecedented dimensions. With a clear opening width of 4.5 meters and a height of 4.3 meters, it has been engineered to optimize ground operations, making them faster, simpler, and safer for logistics operators.
Strategically located in the aft fuselage to ensure an optimal center of gravity during loading and unloading tasks, the door is constructed entirely of state-of-the-art composite materials. Additionally, it features an advanced electric actuation system for opening and closing, eliminating reliance on heavy hydraulic systems.
Spain Consolidates Its Strategic Role in Production
The Airbus plant in Illescas is recognized as a center of excellence in the manufacturing of large-scale, complex composite surfaces. In this milestone, the plant was responsible for manufacturing the skins and performing the complete assembly of the door before its shipment to France.
Ricardo Rojas, President of Airbus Commercial Aircraft in Spain, highlighted the relevance of this achievement:
«This milestone demonstrates Spain’s key role in the production of our commercial aircraft, including the A350F program. The delivery of the first cargo door is the result of years of preparation and extensive teamwork, showcasing the deep expertise and technical maturity that the Illescas plant has perfected over decades in composite materials.»
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Industrial Logistics and Series Production
Airbus is currently manufacturing two A350F aircraft destined for the flight test campaign, which will take place between 2026 and 2027. During this phase, the doors will be installed directly in Toulouse.
However, once series production begins, the logistical flow will change to optimize the supply chain:
- The door will be sent from Illescas to Hamburg, Germany.
- In Hamburg, it will be integrated into the aft fuselage, and the actuation systems will be installed.
- Finally, that complete fuselage section will be transported to the FAL in Toulouse for the final assembly of the aircraft.
Operational Efficiency and Environmental Commitment
The A350F has been conceived to respond to the growing demands of the global air cargo market. Thanks to the use of more than 70% advanced materials, the aircraft is 46 tonnes lighter than its direct competitors, resulting in superior economic and operational efficiency.
- Payload Capacity: Up to 111 tonnes.
- Range: Up to 8,700 kilometers, enabling non-stop long-haul routes.
- Propulsion: Equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines.
- Sustainability: 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft.
Furthermore, it is the only freighter that fully complies with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) emissions standards for 2027. Upon its entry into service, it will be able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with the goal of reaching 100% SAF capability by 2030.
Orders and Market
As of late March 2026, the A350F program already enjoys solid commercial acceptance, recording 101 orders from 14 customers worldwide.
With the delivery of this critical component, Airbus enters a decisive phase of structural integration. Testing on the first test aircraft will begin in the coming weeks, paving the way for certification flights scheduled for 2026 and consolidating the A350F as the future benchmark for transcontinental cargo transport.
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