Airbus: New A330 Freighter is lighter than planned

Published 10:59 am Thursday, October 1, 2009

Most new airplane programs struggle with weight problems. More specifically, those first few aircraft tend to be on the heavy side.

But Airbus says its new A330-200 Freighter is underweight.

Airbus recently showed off progress on its new freighter to airline and leasing company customers. The A330-200 Freighter is expected to make its first flight in November, according to a company statement.

During a company review of the freighter program, Airbus officials found the aircraft to be about 500 kilograms (or 1,100 pounds) lighter than what they had expected.

Airbus has 67 firm orders for its A330 Freighter and is expected to make its first delivery next summer.