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Airbus is set to take a major step in the development of its next-generation freighter, with the A350F scheduled to make its maiden flight on 29 September 2026 from Toulouse, France. The first flight marks a significant milestone for Airbus as it seeks to strengthen its position in the large widebody freighter market.
The flight is scheduled for 10:20 a.m. local time in Toulouse and is expected to be broadcast live by Airbus. However, the manufacturer has stated that the event remains subject to operational requirements and weather conditions.
The first flight-test aircraft, MSN700, registered F-WXLD, has been undergoing final ground preparations. On 24 September, the aircraft completed two high-speed rejected-takeoff tests at Toulouse, supporting preparations for its transition to flight testing.
The A350F is a purpose-built freighter derived from the A350 family. Its configuration combines the forward fuselage of the A350-900 with the rear fuselage and wings of the larger A350-1000, creating a unique aerodynamic profile that requires dedicated flight testing. Airbus plans a certification campaign involving approximately 400 flight hours across two test aircraft.
MSN700 will primarily support testing of aerodynamic performance, handling characteristics and the autopilot, while the second aircraft, MSN701, will focus on systems testing, including air-conditioning and fire and smoke evaluations. Airbus has indicated that certification and first customer deliveries remain targeted for 2027.
The A350F is designed for a payload of more than 110 tonnes and is intended to address growing demand for efficient, modern large freighters. Its development also comes as the air cargo industry prepares for tighter emissions requirements affecting older-generation freighter designs.
With the A350F competing in the emerging new-generation widebody freighter segment alongside Boeing’s 777-8F, its maiden flight will be closely watched by airlines, cargo operators and the wider global air freight industry.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Brussels Airport and Hyderabad International Airport have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in air cargo development and explore opportunities to enhance connectivity between Belgium and India. The partnership will focus particularly on pharmaceutical and life sciences shipments, knowledge sharing and the development of stronger trade links. Under the agreement, the two airports will work together to identify opportunities for stronger air connectivity and develop cargo links between Brussels and Hyderabad. The collaboration will examine market demand, freight flows, route viability, cargo operating practices and stakeholder engagement, with the objective of developing concrete business cases for potential future services. Airlines, freight forwarders and other logistics stakeholders are also expected to be engaged as the initiative progresses. Brussels Airport will contribute its expertise in pharmaceutical logistics, while Hyderabad’s expanding life sciences ecosystem offers significant potential for joint development. Brussels Airport became the first airport globally to achieve CEIV Pharma certification in 2014 and currently provides 45,000 square metres of temperature-controlled storage capacity, the largest concentration of dedicated airport pharma storage facilities in Europe. Arnaud Feist, CEO Brussels Airport, said, “With this MoU, we are taking an important step to bring the ecosystems of Brussels Airport and Hyderabad International Airport closer together. By strengthening cargo flows between our regions, we can support trade and economic growth. As Europe's preferred pharma and life sciences hub, Brussels Airport has built a strong ecosystem and extensive expertise in pharmaceutical logistics. Combined with Hyderabad's leading life sciences ecosystem, this creates valuable opportunities for future cooperation and knowledge exchange." Kadhir Kadhiravan, CEO, GMR Hyderabad International Airport, said, “Hyderabad’s growing economic base and strategic location position it strongly to serve as a gateway for India’s international trade. Our collaboration with Brussels Airport strengthens our ability to connect Hyderabad with the wider European cargo ecosystem and supports our ambition to build a more globally integrated cargo network. By bringing together market expertise, industry partnerships and complementary strengths, we can create new opportunities for businesses in Hyderabad and across the region while strengthening the airport’s role in India’s international trade corridors.” India is the world’s largest supplier of generic medicines, accounting for around 20% of global supply by volume, while Hyderabad is a major life sciences hub spanning pharmaceuticals, vaccines and research and development. The MoU was signed with support from Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), highlighting strengthening economic ties between Belgium and India. Importantly, there is currently no direct air connection between the two cities. The partnership will therefore explore ways to improve connectivity and support greater cargo flows between the two markets. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Turkish Airlines has finalised an agreement with Boeing for up to 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, marking the airline’s largest-ever Boeing single-aisle aircraft order and reinforcing its long-term fleet expansion strategy. The agreement, finalised on 23 September 2026 in the presence of Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is expected to support the carrier’s growing short- and medium-haul network. The agreement covers 100 firm orders for Boeing 737-8 aircraft, along with options for a further 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. It also provides Turkish Airlines with substitution rights for the Boeing 737-10, the largest member of the 737 MAX family. This flexibility will allow the airline to adjust aircraft capacity in line with evolving passenger demand across its network. The new aircraft are intended to strengthen Turkish Airlines’ short- and medium-haul operations, particularly across high-demand domestic and international routes. According to the airline, the Boeing 737-8 offers a combination of range and payload flexibility suited to its operational requirements. The aircraft is also stated to deliver a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, supporting the carrier’s efforts to improve operational efficiency as its fleet and network continue to expand. Prof Murat Şeker, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, said the agreement would bring greater efficiency and flexibility to the airline’s operations while supporting its extensive network from Istanbul. He also highlighted the role of the agreement in continuing Turkish Airlines’ longstanding cooperation with Boeing and supporting Türkiye’s wider aviation ecosystem. Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the order reflects the longstanding partnership and shared vision between the two companies, while reaffirming Boeing’s support for Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul-based network expansion. Turkish Airlines, including AJet, currently operates more than 200 Boeing aircraft, comprising 737 MAX and 737 Next-Generation aircraft as well as 787 Dreamliner, 777 and 777 Freighter aircraft. The latest agreement builds on the airline’s order for 75 Boeing 787 Dreamliners announced in 2025. Beyond fleet expansion, Turkish Airlines and Boeing have also established a strategic Memorandum of Understanding on Industrial Participation. The framework focuses on skill development, value creation and business awards, with objectives including technology and know-how transfer, workforce development, sustainability and new industrial cooperation opportunities. With the latest agreement, Turkish Airlines is strengthening both its narrowbody fleet and its broader partnership with Boeing, while positioning additional capacity to support the continued development of its Istanbul hub and international network. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is strengthening its role as a key aviation and logistics gateway to Belt and Road markets through two new cooperation agreements with MNG Airlines and Uzbekistan-focused investment firm Harvest Epoch Strategic (International) Investment Limited. The agreements were signed during the Belt and Road Summit and are aimed at expanding air connectivity, operational collaboration and airport development. Expanding Hong Kong-Türkiye Air Cargo Connectivity Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) and MNG Airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation across several areas, including direct air connectivity, operational efficiency, service quality and the exchange of management and operational expertise. The agreement was signed by Vivian Cheung, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), AAHK, and Ali Sedat ÖZKAZANÇ, CEO, MNG Airlines, in the presence of Nicolas Ho, Commissioner for Belt and Road. The partnership also covers sustainable aviation development and talent building, including training programmes delivered through the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy. MNG Airlines, headquartered at Istanbul Airport, is Turkey’s pioneer privately owned cargo airline and operates freighter services to more than 60 destinations across Europe, Asia and North America. The carrier currently operates eight to 10 freighter flights every week between Turkey and Hong Kong and is looking to increase frequencies as trade demand between the two markets grows. Highlighting HKIA’s expanding Belt and Road network, Vivian Cheung said, “As of March 2026, HKIA is connected to 78 destination airports in 41 countries in Belt and Road regions. We are pleased to further deepen HKIA’s aviation ties with Belt and Road countries, reinforcing our role as an international aviation hub.” Supporting Uzbekistan’s Aviation Hub Development In a parallel move, Hong Kong International Airport Consultancy Limited (HKIA Consultancy) has entered into a cooperation agreement with Harvest Epoch Strategic (International) Investment Limited to support the modernisation and management enhancement of Navoi International Airport in Uzbekistan. The agreement was signed by Simon Li, CEO of HKIA Consultancy, and Yip Koon Shing, Chief Strategic Officer of Harvest Epoch. Representatives from the Belt and Road Office, Navoi International Airport and Harvest Epoch were present at the signing ceremony. Under the partnership, HKIA Consultancy will bring its airport management and operational expertise to support the development of Navoi International Airport. The collaboration is expected to enhance the airport’s technical capabilities, operational efficiency and overall development as a strategic logistics hub along the Belt and Road corridor. Together, the two agreements underscore HKIA’s broader strategy of extending its aviation expertise and strengthening cargo and trade links across Belt and Road markets. They also reinforce Hong Kong’s position as an international air cargo hub connecting businesses and supply chains across Asia, Europe and Central Asia. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
