Airbus’ A330-200 Freighter makes maiden flight

Airbus’ new A330-200 Freighter took to the skies Thursday during a four hour maiden flight over Toulouse. This milestone marks the start of a 180 hour flight-test and certification campaign, and paves the way for first delivery of the type to launch operator, Etihad Crystal Cargo, in the summer of 2010, Airbus said. India’s Flyington Freighters start-upwas to originally have been the launch customer but exchanged slots due to the global recession.

The aircraft has already gained 67 firm orders with nine customers. In addition to these orders, the aircraft has been selected by a tenth customer - Turkish Airlines - following the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for two A330-200Fs. Furthermore, there are other ongoing campaigns in progress where airlines are showing serious interest in the aircraft.