Airbus to end production of mid-sized A300, A310s

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus is ceasing production of the A300 and A310 models. These were the original airbuses that were first manufactured in 1969.

This will leave a gaping hole in the mid-sized cargo plane market, creating an opportunity for the Boeing 767 to makeup the shortfall, said a report by India's domain-B business news portal.

Since its launch the A300 received a total of 861 orders, with the first A300 being delivered to Air France in 1974.

FedEx, the largest operator of A300 and A310 air freighters, received its last factory-built A300-600 freighter late last month, making a total of over 120 A300 and A310 planes still in service. This makes FedEx the largest operator of the air freighter. The A300-600F, the most modern of the A330 series freighters, can carry 55 tonnes over distances up to 3,700 kilometres, the report said.

Its likely successor, the A330-200F, will be able to carry 64 tonnes over 7,400 kilometres or 69 tonnes up to 5,930 kilometres. This aircraft will begin commercial service in the second half of 2009.