Airbus has reached a critical milestone in the development of its A350F freighter with the installation of the world's largest cargo door on the first prototype, MSN700, at its Toulouse final assembly line. The door, which arrived on April 21 and began installation the next day, is the last major structural element to be integrated before systems testing intensifies. The process is expected to take about a month, after which ground tests, taxi runs, and flight tests will follow. The main-deck cargo door measures approximately 4.3 meters wide, making it the largest ever fitted to a commercial aircraft—about 15% wider than the door on the Boeing 777F. This extra width allows single-maneuver loading of oversized items such as next-generation turbofans (GE9X, Trent XWB). Notably, the door is made of composite materials, a first for a cargo door of this size, reducing weight while maintaining the rigidity needed for intensive freight operations. Airbus states that the door is fully electrically actuated, optimizing capacity, reliability, and fuel efficiency. Positioned at the rear of the fuselage, the design ensures safe center-of-gravity control during loading, with pallets and containers pushed forward progressively. Airbus maintains its target for a first flight in the third quarter of 2026, with a possible slip to October depending on system integration and safety validation progress. Two aircraft—MSN700 (F-WXFR) and MSN701 (F-WCGO)—will conduct a nine-month flight test campaign covering performance and regulatory compliance. The certification process follows a joint procedure with EASA and the FAA, leveraging the existing A350 type certificate with specific amendments for the freighter's modified structure, cargo systems, and mass/balance characteristics. Airbus aims for certification around mid-2027, with entry into service in the second half of that year. For ATPL and ATC students, this development highlights the importance of understanding cargo aircraft design considerations, such as structural modifications, loading procedures, and certification pathways. The A350F's composite cargo door and electrically actuated systems represent advances in materials and systems that may appear in future exam questions or operational procedures.