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First A350 900 KLM Newsroom

On successful A350F maiden flight…

Tuesday 29 September saw the completion of the A350F’s first flight. MSN700, the first of two test aircraft, flew for 4 hours 10 minutes at FL250. Conducted entirely over land and fitted with specialist flight test instrumentation, it was flown by a dedicated Airbus flight test crew. During the flight, tests were conducted which focussed on basic airworthiness, flying qualities and ensure basic system performance. It marked the start of a flight test campaign expected to last over 9 months.

Powered by the latest Rolls Royce Trent WB-97 engines, the aircraft will have a reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40%, compared to competitors with a similar payload capability. The A350F is designed to be the world’s most advanced cargo aircraft, possessing the largest loading door of all. With a range of up to 8,700 kilometres and payload of up to 111 tonnes, it will allow operators to use it on international long-haul routes. The use of over 70% advanced materials means a 46 tonne lighter maximum take-off weight (MTOW). It’s the first freighter to fully meet ICAO’s carbon dioxide emission standards.

The aircraft was flown by Captain & Test Pilot Bernardo Saez-Benito, F/O & Experimental Test Pilot Sylvian Guiraud and Test Flight Engineer Ludovic Girard. Lead Flight Test Engineers Laurent Bussiere and Jamie Angoloti were also on board. The chase plane, Falcon F-GPAA, attracted as much interest as the main player!

As of August 2026, 14 disclosed customers have ordered 115, capturing up to 59% market share in the large freighter category. Atlas Air has placed the largest order so far, for 20 aircraft.

Once again, Airbus employees were treated to a low-level flypast. It’s to be expected that the maiden flight generated a lot of interest amongst aviation media sources. Amongst those present at TLS were FR24, Captain Joe and YouTube’s Simon Lowe Aviation. After the frustration of having many people blocking his view, Simon soon realised he was in a prime position for the flypast.

In other news –

KLM – recently received their first A350-941. Registration PH-ZNA, the aircraft will be based at AMS.

Saudia – having already announced they were ceasing flights to BHX for the Winter, it’s now been confirmed that the carrier will not be returning for Summer 2027. No official reason has been given.

And finally –

flydubai – many experts, enthusiasts and “non-experts” have expressed their theories on what allegedly happened. Various reports have surfaced from politicians, passengers, media outlets. Usually reliable sources such as The Aviation Herald have also experienced an influx of factual and incorrect information. Mentour Pilot was very quick to join in with his theory why the cabin emergency lights had been activated (as shown in a passenger’s video).

So, why is there an axe on the flightdeck? It’s a heavy, one-handed tool which allows pilots to break glass or even punch through aircraft panels in the event of an emergency. The airframe could buckle on landing, causing the sliding windows to jam. On some aircraft, it’s located behind the first officer’s seat. Several former airline pilots were interviewed and expressed concern that whilst they had to surrender any sharp objects before boarding, there was something on the flightdeck that could still cause serious injury.

To avoid any confusion, flydubai and Emirates are not competitors. Both are Government owned so considered “sister companies”.

Leaving this topic here, let’s wait for the official report on what happened. Speculation serves no useful purpose and usually reliable sources being discredited, rightly or wrongly. It’s already led to one very reliable Twitter/X source deciding to take a break from social media for this reason. Currently a US based 737 Captain, he has not been pressurised by his company. His posts have generally been educational and informative. He has never revealed his identity or sought monetary reward via partnering or advertising.

Information courtesy of Airbus, FR24, Saudia, BBC, flydubai

Images courtesy of Airways Magazine, KLM Newsroom