Commercial Aviation
Airbus Integrates Largest Cargo Door on A350F Ahead of 2027 Service
Airbus delivers and integrates the world’s largest all-composite cargo door on the A350F, with flight tests planned for late 2026 and service in 2027.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.
Airbus is making significant strides toward the maiden flight of its new-generation freighter, the A350F. According to an official press release from the European aerospace manufacturer, the company has successfully delivered and begun integrating the world’s largest main-deck cargo door into its first test aircraft. This milestone marks a critical step as the program advances toward its anticipated flight testing later this year and entry into service in 2027.
The A350F, derived from the A350-1000 passenger jet, is designed to meet growing global demand for large, efficient, and environmentally compliant freight aircraft. Airbus reports that the new cargo door incorporates industry-first engineering choices, including an all-composite structure and an all-electric actuation system, setting a new standard for operational efficiency in the air cargo market.
Engineering the World’s Largest Cargo Door
Unprecedented Dimensions and Design
The defining operational feature of the A350F is its massive main-deck cargo door (MDCD). According to Airbus specifications, the door boasts a cut-out width of 4.5 meters (175 inches) and a clear opening width of 4.3 meters (169.5 inches), alongside a clear opening height of 3.15 meters.
To put this into perspective, Airbus notes that the A350F’s door is 15 percent wider than that of its primary competitor, the Boeing 777 Freighter, which measures 3.7 meters (146 inches) wide. The new door even surpasses the dimensions of the nose and side doors found on the iconic Boeing 747F. Furthermore, the manufacturer opted to locate the cargo-aircraft door at the rear of the fuselage. This strategic design choice allows operators to load containers from the rear toward the front, preserving a safe center of gravity during the loading process.
Technological Firsts in Freighter Design
Composite Materials and All-Electric Actuation
Beyond its sheer size, the A350F cargo door introduces several technological firsts to the freighter market. As detailed in the company’s press release, the door’s structure is manufactured entirely from carbon fiber composite materials. This represents an industry-first for a main-deck cargo door, allowing Airbus to significantly reduce the aircraft’s weight compared to traditional aluminum structures while maintaining essential structural stiffness.
Additionally, Airbus has moved away from conventional hydraulic and pneumatic systems. The A350F utilizes an all-electric open-and-close actuation system powered by Geared Rotary Actuators. According to the manufacturer’s testing data:
The system can fully open or close the massive door within 60 seconds, even in wind speeds of up to 40 knots.
This capability ensures that ground operations can proceed smoothly and safely even under challenging weather conditions at airports worldwide.
Manufacturing, Testing, and Timeline
From Spain to Toulouse
The production of this massive composite structure took place at the Airbus facility in Illescas, Spain, which serves as a center of excellence for complex composite manufacturing. In April 2026, the completed door was delivered to the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse, France, where it is currently being integrated into the MSN700 prototype. Airbus estimates this integration process will take approximately one month.
To de-risk the upcoming flight test campaign, Airbus is conducting rigorous ground testing at its facility in Bremen, Germany. Engineers are utilizing large physical test rigs, including a “Cargo Zero” demonstrator. According to the company’s project updates, this involves a 20-tonne frame equipped with a metal test door that matches the exact weight, stiffness, and center of gravity of the final composite door, allowing the team to validate the all-electric drive and loading mechanisms before flight.
Path to Certification
Airbus is currently manufacturing two A350F prototypes dedicated to flight testing. The company states that the flight test campaign is slated to begin in the second half of 2026. Following a successful certification process, the A350F is targeted to enter commercial service in the second half of 2027.
AirPro News analysis
We view the engineering achievements of the A350F’s cargo door as a major competitive advantage for Airbus in the heavy freight sector. The 175-inch width enables the “one-go” entry of massive, high-bypass aero engines, such as the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB and the GE9X, without requiring disassembly. According to the provided operational data, loading a large engine through this door takes only a few minutes, a stark contrast to the roughly one hour required for aircraft with smaller cargo doors. Combined with the ability to simultaneously load the main and lower decks, this will drastically reduce turnaround times for logistics operators.
Furthermore, the A350F’s alignment with sustainability mandates makes it a highly attractive asset for the future. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, it is currently the only new-generation freighter capable of meeting the stringent ICAO 2027 COâ‚‚ emissions standards. With a payload capacity of up to 111 tonnes, a range of 8,700 kilometers, and 101 firm orders already secured as of April 2026, the A350F is positioned to aggressively challenge historical market dynamics in the dedicated freighter space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How big is the A350F main-deck cargo door?
The door features a cut-out width of 4.5 meters (175 inches) and a clear opening width of 4.3 meters (169.5 inches), making it the largest in commercial aviation history.
What materials are used to build the A350F cargo door?
In an industry first, the main-deck cargo door is constructed entirely from carbon fiber composite materials to reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity.
When will the Airbus A350F enter service?
Flight testing is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026, with commercial entry into service targeted for the second half of 2027.
Why is the cargo door located at the rear of the aircraft?
Placing the door at the aft of the fuselage allows operators to load heavy containers from the rear toward the front, which helps preserve a safe center of gravity during the loading process.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Luxair Orders Boeing 737-10 Jets at Farnborough 2026
Luxair converts 737-10 options to firm orders at Farnborough 2026, reaching 12 total 737 family aircraft on order.
Luxair has expanded its narrowbody fleet commitment by converting two options for the Boeing 737-10 into firm orders and securing two additional options during the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow.
The July 21, 2026, announcement by The Boeing Company brings the Luxembourg flag carrier’s total firm order book for the 737 family to 12 aircraft. The agreement supports Luxair’s long-term fleet modernization strategy, which focuses on increasing passenger capacity while reducing the airline’s environmental footprint.
Fleet expansion and aircraft specifications
Once all deliveries are completed, Luxair’s Boeing 737 fleet will consist of eight Boeing 737-8s and four Boeing 737-10s. The airline placed its initial order for two 737-10 aircraft in 2024 and is now moving to integrate the new-generation narrowbodies into a network that serves more than 100 destinations across Europe and beyond.
Luxair has selected a 213-seat configuration for its Boeing 737-10 aircraft. The cabin will feature the Boeing Sky Interior with redesigned seats offering a 76 cm pitch. The 737-10 is the largest model in the MAX family, capable of carrying up to 230 passengers in a maximum high-density configuration, with a range of 3,100 nautical miles (5,740 km).
“This agreement represents another important milestone in the execution of our long-term fleet strategy,” said Gilles Feith, Chief Executive Officer of Luxair. “As we continue to grow, delivering an outstanding passenger experience remains at the heart of every fleet decision we make. The Boeing 737-10 provides the additional capacity, operational efficiency and flexibility we need to support future demand while maintaining the high standards of quality, comfort and service our customers expect from Luxair.”
Environmental and operational targets
The integration of the Boeing 737-10 is central to Luxair’s sustainability initiatives. Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, the new aircraft deliver a 20 percent reduction in fuel use and emissions compared to the older generation aircraft they will replace. According to Boeing, each new-generation 737 saves an average of 8 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
The operational efficiency of the new fleet is designed to support Luxair’s growth trajectory following a strong performance in 2025, during which the airline transported 2.6 million passengers.
“Both the 737-8 and 737-10 are perfectly suited across Luxair’s network, increasing capacity on to its regional routes, comfortably serving more passengers on more routes with the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle airplane,” said Ricardo Cavero, Vice President of Europe and Israel Commercial Sales and Marketing for The Boeing Company. “With the selection of the 737-8 and 737-10, Luxair is building a more profitable and sustainable operation.”
AirPro News analysis
Luxair’s decision to convert options into firm orders at the Farnborough International Airshow signals strong confidence in the Boeing 737-10 as the cornerstone of its high-density European routes. By standardizing its future narrowbody growth around the 737-8 and 737-10, we see Luxair prioritizing fleet commonality, which traditionally lowers maintenance and crew training costs. The retention of two new purchase rights also provides the carrier with a low-risk mechanism to secure future delivery slots in a constrained global supply chain environment.
Sources: The Boeing Company
Photo Credit: Boeing
Commercial Aviation
ACG and Skymark Airlines Finalize Seven Boeing 737-10 Leases
Aviation Capital Group and Skymark Airlines sign leases for seven Boeing 737-10s, with deliveries starting 2028 to grow Haneda capacity.
Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG) and Japanese carrier Skymark Airlines (BC) have finalized lease agreements for seven Boeing 737-10 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028.
Announced on July 20, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow, the agreement supports Skymark’s strategy to increase passenger capacity on domestic routes operating out of the highly slot-constrained Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). The Boeing 737-10 is the largest variant in the 737 MAX family, offering the airline a higher-density configuration compared to its existing fleet.
Fleet Modernization and Capacity Growth
Skymark currently operates a fleet of 30 aircraft, consisting of Boeing 737-800s and Boeing 737-8s. According to fleet data reported by ch-aviation, the airline plans to configure the newly leased Boeing 737-10s with 207 seats. This represents an increase of 30 seats per aircraft over its current 177-seat Boeing 737-800 and 737-8 configurations.
The capacity increase is critical for Skymark’s operations at HND, where adding new flights is restricted by slot availability. Aviation Week reports that Skymark is offering 6.03 million seats across its domestic network during the summer 2026 season, representing a 0.4 percent increase year-over-year. The introduction of the larger Boeing 737-10 will allow the carrier to grow its passenger volume without requiring additional departure slots.
“For airlines serving high-density markets from slot-constrained airports, the ability to add capacity, improve efficiency, and maximize revenue opportunities is critical,” ACG Chief Executive Officer and President Thomas Baker stated in the July 20 press release.
Expanding Boeing 737 MAX Commitments
The ACG lease agreement builds on Skymark’s existing commitments for the Boeing 737 MAX family. Aviation Week notes that the carrier already holds firm orders directly with The Boeing Company for seven Boeing 737-10s, alongside a mix of orders and lease agreements for seven Boeing 737-8s. Skymark became the first Japanese airline to introduce the Boeing 737-8 into commercial service in May 2026, debuting the aircraft on the route between HND and Fukuoka Airport (FUK).
Skymark Airlines President and Representative Director Yoshihiro Miwa highlighted the operational benefits of the new aircraft.
“We look forward to operating the 737-10, which boasts the largest capacity in the MAX series, and welcoming even more passengers to enjoy the Skymark experience.”
The Boeing 737-10 is also expected to deliver improved operating economics. A May 2026 Skymark fleet presentation cited by ch-aviation estimated a 19 percent reduction in fuel costs per seat for the Boeing 737-10 compared to the older-generation Boeing 737-800.
Aviation Capital Group’s Farnborough Momentum
The Skymark deal marks the second major Boeing 737-10 placement announced by ACG in July 2026. On July 14, 2026, the lessor announced long-term lease agreements with Canadian carrier WestJet (WS) for 13 Boeing 737-10 aircraft.
The consecutive agreements underscore strong lessor demand for the largest MAX variant as airlines seek to maximize yield in constrained airport environments.
AirPro News analysis
We view Skymark’s decision to lease additional Boeing 737-10s as a pragmatic approach to the strict slot limitations at Tokyo Haneda Airport. By upgauging from the Boeing 737-800 to the 737-10, Skymark can add 30 seats per departure. This strategy mirrors a broader industry trend where carriers operating in congested hubs rely on larger narrowbody variants to drive growth when frequency expansion is impossible. Securing these airframes through a lessor like ACG provides Skymark with delivery certainty starting in 2028, insulating the carrier’s near-term growth plans from potential direct-from-manufacturer delivery delays.
Sources: Aviation Capital Group
Photo Credit: Aviation Capital Group
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Riyadh Air Orders 31 A350-1000s and 67 Boeing 787s
Riyadh Air firms up A350-1000 and 787 Dreamliner orders at Farnborough 2026, targeting 100 global destinations by 2030.
Saudi Arabian startup carrier Riyadh Air (RX) has expanded its future widebody fleet by firming up an order for six additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow on July 20, 2026. The agreement exercises purchase rights from a 2025 commitment for up to 50 airframes, bringing the airline’s total firm backlog for the European manufacturer’s largest twin-engine jet to 31 aircraft.
In a press release issued during the airshow, Airbus confirmed the transaction and noted that Riyadh Air will become the first operator of the A350-1000 in Saudi Arabia. The acquisition aligns with the carrier’s mandate to support the national Vision 2030 strategy, which targets serving more than 100 global destinations by the end of the decade.
Expanding the Airbus widebody footprint
The Airbus A350-1000 offers a maximum non-stop range of 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 kilometers), providing the operational capability required for Riyadh Air’s planned ultra-long-haul services. Airbus states the aircraft delivers a 25 percent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs, and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation widebody aircraft.
Riyadh Air Chief Financial Officer Adam Boukadida stated that the finalized order reflects continued confidence in the airline’s growth trajectory and the broader Saudi aviation sector.
“Increasing our A350-1000 commitment to 31 aircraft strengthens the foundation of our future network and supports our ambition to serve more than 100 global destinations by 2030 while delivering a premium guest experience,” Boukadida said.
Airbus Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial-Aircraft Benoît de Saint-Exupéry added that the commitment highlights the aircraft’s efficiency and range. He noted the A350-1000 will play a central role in positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading international aviation hub. As of the end of June 2026, Airbus had recorded 1,595 firm Orders for the A350 family from 68 customers worldwide.
Concurrent Boeing 787 Dreamliner expansion
The Airbus finalization occurred alongside a separate widebody order placed with The Boeing Company. According to reporting by Al Arabiya, Riyadh Air also confirmed an order for 28 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft at the Farnborough event on July 20.
This separate agreement introduces the Boeing 787-10 variant to the carrier’s fleet. Following the announcement, Riyadh Air’s total firm commitment for the Dreamliner family stands at 67 aircraft.
Riyadh Air Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas told Al Arabiya that the introduction of the 787-10 and the expanded Dreamliner backlog marks another significant milestone in the airline’s journey toward its 2030 network goals. The carrier recently opened ticket sales for its initial overseas routes as it prepares for the launch of commercial operations.
AirPro News analysis
We view Riyadh Air’s dual widebody orders at Farnborough as a clear signal of the carrier’s aggressive timeline and robust capital backing. By splitting its high-capacity, long-haul requirements between the Airbus A350-1000 and the Boeing 787-10, the airline mitigates delivery risk in an era of constrained aerospace supply chains. Securing 31 firm A350-1000s and 67 Boeing 787s provides the necessary metal to rapidly scale a global network from scratch. However, the operational complexity of inducting two distinct widebody types simultaneously will require substantial training, tooling, and maintenance infrastructure investments prior to the Launch of commercial flights.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
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