new freighter
Enders notes: “it is anything but an old aircraft”
updated A330 passenger carrier. The twin-engine A330 aircraft is optimised for highest
revenue generation and the lowest operating costs from regional segments to extended range routes. The passenger versions of the aircraft – the 200 and 300 models – are among the most popular widebody aircraft in service today. More than 1,000 orders have been agreed for various versions of one A330 and around 625 aircraft are already in operational service providing passenger and bellyhold cargo lift with airlines around the world. With the shortest fuselage length (59 metres), the A330- 200 offers superior payload/range capability and a greater bellyhold cargo volume on medium-capacity routes to extended-range operations. The handover of the first freighter was the end of a
long journey of development at Airbus that started back in 2007, when it was decided to produce the A330-200F. But many troubles beset the aviation and air freight industries in the two years it took to set up the Toulouse- based final assembly line and produce the first aircraft – the price of aviation fuel soared like a sky rocket and then came the global economic recession, leading many to question the viability of the introduction of a newbuild freighter version in such troubled times. But Leahy points out: “The efficient A330-200F is very well adapted to today’s market dynamics of rising fuel prices and increased pressure on yields.” The new era in air cargo took to the skies on 5 November 2009, when the first A330-200F took off on its maiden test flight from the main runway at the Airbus headquarters facility in Toulouse, France. The four-hour test flight was
48 AIR LOGISTICSCHINA
performed ahead of schedule. Then, after a 180-hour flight-test and certification campaign, the A330-200F received Type Certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency in April this year, paving the way for the start of deliveries. With a published list price of US$194.8 million per aircraft, airlines with firm A330-200F orders are launch customer Etihad Crystal Cargo, India’s Flyington Freighters, Turkish cargo operator MNG Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Malaysia Airlines, which is acquiring two freighters for its MASkargo subsidiary. Taking delivery of the launch aircraft on 20 July in a
ceremony held at the UK’s Farnborough Airshow, Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan noted: “The new aircraft will become a key part of our freighter fleet and make a major contribution to building the strength and network of our cargo business. The additional capacity will help us significantly expand our footprint in Asia and Europe, including China, as well as enhancing our worldwide charter service.” A second A330-200F will be delivered in September, to
enter service during October, joining the first A330-200F in the Abu Dhabi carrier’s freighter fleet, which also includes two A330-600RF (Regional Freighter) aircraft and two 90- tonne payload MD-11Fs. Speaking at the handover, Airbus president and CEO Tom
Enders said: “Overall, the recovery of freight traffic is gaining significant momentum and this aircraft gives operators
Handover ceremony at the Farnborough Airshow, with Hogan (right) and Enders
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