TOULOUSE, FRANCE : Airbus’s A350F freighter completed its first flight on Tuesday, marking the start of a flight test campaign expected to last more than nine months, the European planemaker said.

The aircraft, the first of two test planes, flew for four hours and 10 minutes and reached an altitude of 25,000 feet. It was equipped with instrumentation to monitor its performance.

The crew assessed basic airworthiness, handling characteristics and the operation of key systems during the flight, Airbus said.

The second prototype is at an advanced stage of final assembly and is expected to enter the paint shop within the next few weeks.

Airbus Commercial Aircraft Chief Executive Lars Wagner described the maiden flight as a major milestone for the programme and its customers.

Based on Airbus’s A350 passenger aircraft platform, the freighter is designed to carry up to 111 tonnes of cargo over distances of up to 8,700 kilometres, allowing operators to serve international long-haul routes.

Airbus said advanced materials account for more than 70% of the aircraft, helping give it a maximum take-off weight 46 tonnes lower than competing aircraft.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the A350F is expected to consume up to 40% less fuel and produce correspondingly lower carbon emissions than competing aircraft with similar payload and range capabilities, according to Airbus.

The planemaker said the A350F is the first new freighter to fully meet the International Civil Aviation Organization’s latest carbon dioxide emissions standards.

The aircraft had secured 115 orders from 14 disclosed customers by the end of August, Airbus said, adding that it held a 59% share of the large freighter market.

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