Airbus Industrie's Approach to the Wide-Body Freighter Aircraft Concept

Going back into the history of the A300 aircraft, it is relevant to note that the fuselage diameter was a major design criteria. Especially with the thought in mind that the aircraft was to become a transportation vehicle subjected to interline traffic, its compatibility with already defined Unit Load Devices suitable for the other wide-body aircraft, had to be ensured.

This was achieved, with the result that the basic A300 and all its direct family members have a fuselage diameter which also permits direct development of efficient freighter aircraft.

The paper will show the freighter variants Airbus Industrie is presently developing on a firm commitment basis, and projected ones, together with the market slots they will fill.