One small item on Airbus.com caught my eye this morning:First flight of the A330-200F freighter5 November 2009
Toulouse, France
The A330-200F's first flight is planned for 5 November (weather permitting) from Airbus' Toulouse, France headquarters. This maiden takeoff will mark a key milestone for the cargo version of Airbus' popular A330 jetliner, which is the first new mid-sized freighter to be launched in 40 years. Photos, video and articles from the event will be posted after the first flight.
Right now, the weather forecast for Thursday in Toulouse looks rather nasty. Thursday's forecast calls for 70% chance of precipitation and rain, wind and thunder with a high of 53 F (12 C) with a low of 46 F (7C).
The A330-200F is due for certification in spring next year, with the first delivery to follow during the summer. Etihad Airways is expected to be the first to take delivery. Total orders stand at 67 firm from nine customers.
Photo Credit Airbus
on November 4, 2009 1:26 PM | Reply
I question how Airbus can claim this is the first new mid-sized freighter in 40 years. Have they forgotten the 767, the 777, and the MD-11?
on November 5, 2009 11:20 AM | Reply
i think it good to have alternative the boeing are outdated and new wings enhasements engines and design have made 330f new plane airbus needs more support from european countries it should look after its self as usa have done and send all second rate technology to europe or make them pay for inferior products military and civilian planes as they look after their own intersts 120% that is always the way they manipulate markets people according to their needs thay see uk europe as ex colonial masters who they want on a leesh they create markets by giving false data and false finance usa is bankrupt it has no credit worthy ness once dollar diminshes we will see a lot more companies bankrupt in usa as they always use government finance to do things they have 2 plans civilian and military europeans dont , so it is good to have airbus sukhoi to give competion to make other people realise usa is not all and be all of technology andinnovation