Airbus Takes Flight with A350 Freighter as Boeing Dominance is Tested

Airbus has taken a significant step towards challenging Boeing's dominance in the cargo business with the maiden flight of its A350 freighter.

The aircraft, painted to resemble a package, took off from Airbus's Toulouse facility in southern France on Tuesday morning. This milestone comes after repeated delays due to supply chain constraints that pushed back the original 2025 entry into operations.

The A350 freighter is now expected to start commercial service with customers in the second half of next year.