HAMBURG- The first Airbus A350F Section 19, equipped with a newly developed tail protector, has been transported to Hamburg, marking a crucial step in the freighter’s production.
This milestone highlights Getafe’s role as a key manufacturing hub and underscores Airbus’s efforts to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining production quality.
The modification, designed to safeguard the aircraft during cargo loading, was developed through extensive collaboration among engineering and production teams.
With deliveries progressing as planned, Airbus anticipates the A350F’s entry into service in late 2027.
Photo: AirbusAirbus First A350F Tail Protector
The A350F program, initiated in 2022, focuses on adapting Airbus’s next-generation freighter to meet industry demands.
One of the most notable enhancements is Section 19’s tail protector, designed to prevent damage during ground operations.
This adaptation required a reconfiguration of the production line while maintaining Airbus’s stringent quality standards.
Manuel García, Head of A350F Engineering, explained that the tail protector minimizes the risk of structural damage caused by unintended aircraft movement.
This design solution was developed in collaboration with specialized teams to ensure airworthiness, aerodynamic efficiency, and ease of maintenance.
“Cargo aircraft must be secured at the rear during loading and unloading,” added Carlos Sancho, Development Programme Head.
“To facilitate this, the A350F features an in-flight adapter that secures the aircraft to the ground, expediting cargo operations.”
Photo: AirbusOptimizing the Production Process
Airbus’s approach to integrating modifications without disrupting the A350 passenger aircraft production line has been pivotal.
The company adopted a strategy where standard sections are built alongside passenger models and later diverted for freighter-specific enhancements.
This method ensures efficiency while maintaining production flow.
The transformation of Section 19 required the development of a dedicated workstation and extensive coordination between manufacturing teams.
“It was a race against time that demanded full alignment across all departments,” noted Txema Santiago, Manufacturing Engineering Process Engineer.
Key process validation steps included:
- Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) to assess potential issues.
- Industrial Process Acceptance Reviews (IPAR) to ensure compliance.
- First Implementation Check (FIC) for final validation before production rollout.
Photo:- Airbus Airbus’s Supply Chain
While Airbus has made significant progress, supply chain challenges remain, particularly with US supplier Spirit AeroSystems.
Despite these hurdles, Airbus has already commenced the production of essential A350F components and tools, ensuring that deliveries remain on schedule.
As of January 2025, Airbus has secured 63 orders for the A350F, reaffirming the market demand for its next-generation freighter.
With enhanced design features and streamlined production processes, the aircraft is poised to set new industry benchmarks upon its expected entry into service in late 2027.
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Airbus A350 Freighter has Largest Cargo Door in the World
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