Airbus A310-200

The Airbus A310-200, a wide‑body twin‑engine jet built by Airbus SAS, entered service in 1983 as a shortened, more efficient derivative of the A300. Developed during the early 1970s, the A310 program was launched to meet airline demand for a medium‑capacity aircraft capable of operating both short‑haul routes and long‑distance missions with lower operating costs. The -200 variant, introduced in 1985, features increased maximum take‑off weight, upgraded Pratt & Whitney JT9D or General Electric CF6 engines, and a modernized avionics suite, allowing a typical range of about 5,200 nautical miles with up to 280 passengers in a high‑density layout. Its reinforced wing, larger fuel tanks and optional auxiliary fuel tanks extend its payload capability, while fly‑by‑wire controls and a digital flight deck improve safety and pilot workload. The A310-200 played a pivotal role in the growth of airline networks in the 1980s and 1990s, enabling carriers to serve thin‑filled long‑haul markets that larger aircraft could not profitably serve. Although production ceased in 1998, the model’s legacy endures through numerous cargo conversions and its influence on later Airbus designs such as the A330 family.

Airbus SAS

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