The Airbus plants in El Puerto de Santa María (Cádiz) and Getafe (Madrid) have confirmed their importance to the company by producing, assembling and equipping the first horizontal stabiliser (HTP) for the new A350F freighter, which aims to become the most advanced cargo aircraft in the world.

This milestone, which also demonstrates Spain’s key role in commercial aircraft production, forms part of manufacturing  for the new aircraft’s prototype test model. As was the case on the first occasion, the Cádiz plant will manufacture parts for the HTP, while the Getafe plant will assemble and equip it. This component will share the same production line as the passenger version, resulting in operational and industrial advantages and improvements.

Other Spanish components
Airbus is currently building two A350F prototypes for flight testing during 2026 and 2027. Once the HTP has been completed, it will be sent to the company’s final assembly line (FAL) in Toulouse, France, where it will be joined to the rest of the fuselage.

The Spanish plants are also responsible for manufacturing the rear fuselage (section 19), the A350 and A350F lower wing skins and the A350F’s main-deck cargo door, the largest in the industry. This door will be made of composite materials and will have a4.3-metre opening– dimensions that make loading and unloading easier, faster and safer.

Efficiency and autonomy
In addition to becoming the world’s most advanced cargo aircraft, the A350F aims to meet the new needs of the global air freight transport market. In addition to other factors, it will be more efficient than its current competitors, with 20% less fuel consumption and CO₂emissions. With a range of up to 8,700 kilometres and a payload of up to 111 tonnes, it will facilitate the operation of long-haul international routes.

Airbus Commercial Aircraft President for Spain Ricardo Rojas says the A350F “will offer a new solution designed specifically for air freight transport, bringing greater efficiency and versatility to the cargo market. With over 1,400 A350 orders, including 66 A350Fs, Spain is playing a key role in this programme, which represents the future of air freight transport”.

^{Photo: Airbus}