Airbus A350F freighter makes maiden flight, set to challenge Boeing 777

TOULOUSE, France: Airbus launched ‌the ​maiden flight of its delayed A350F freighter on Tuesday, expanding ⁠its portfolio in a bid to ‌break rival Boeing's grip on a ‌vital part of ‌global trade.The ‌windowless version ‌of Europe's A350 ​long-haul jet ‌eased into ​the ⁠sky at the start ​of ⁠a four-hour ⁠flight, marking the start ⁠of nine months of certification trials before entering service in 2027 ‌and going head-to-head with ​Boeing's 777 series.