New Etihad A330-200 Freighter Takes First Test Flight

Etihad Crystal Cargo’s new A330-200 freighter has made its maiden flight over Toulouse in France, where the aircraft manufacturer Airbus is based.

The flight marks the start of a 200 hour flight-test and certification campaign and paves the way for delivery to Etihad Crystal Cargo, the launch operator, next year.

The new A330-200F will significantly enhance Etihad Crystal Cargo’s capacity with its extensive range and a higher maximum payload. Etihad ordered the A330-200F at the 2007 Paris Air Show in Le Bourget.

“The maiden test flight is always a special occasion for the launch operator and we are very proud to see the Etihad Crystal Cargo A330-200 freighter take to the skies,” said Des Vertannes, Etihad Airways’ executive vice president cargo.

“The A330-200F will make a major contribution to the expansion of Etihad Crystal Cargo as it can carry up to 69 metric tonnes of cargo and can fly up to 6,000 kilometres non-stop. This ensures we can continue to offer our customers the very highest levels of service and commitment.”

With its fleet of two Airbus A300-600 freighter aircraft and an MD11, Etihad Crystal Cargo serves 14 cargo freighter destinations, including Frankfurt Haan, Mumbai, Lagos, Colombo and Milan. It also operates bellyhold services on all Etihad Airways passenger flights.

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