Airbus A310-200 Facts and Figures
Iata Code
312
Range
Approx 4200 M / 6759.2 km
Length
46.6 M / 152.9 ft
Wing Span
43.9 M / 144.0 ft
Height
15.8 M / 51.8 ft
Passengers
210
Crew
10
First Flight
3 April 1982
The Airbus A310-200 is deservedly credited with flying Airbus to global success. Launching into the world in the 1970's it was the world’s first twin engine, wide body Jet. It posed tough competition to the likes of the Boeing 767 and held its own on European markets. Eventually, the aircraft was phased out in the 2000s though its legacy toward Airbus design is still felt today.
Why was it so popular? Passenger experience played a role. The A310-200’s innovative wide body design allowed for flexible seating arrangements from a 2-4-2 layout to a more spacious 3-3-3. The interior featured wider seats, higher ceilings and larger windows than had been seen before. Alongside decent storage, these factors created the illusion of personal space even on a busy flight. Passenger experience was further enhanced by reduced noise pollution thanks to new quieter engines. All these factors united to create bright, airy and comfortable in-flight conditions. (Though there’s never a promise that you won’t end up with a child kicking the back of your seat).
Airbus invested in updating the cockpit with modern aviation electronics: simplifying flight operations and improving safety measurably. It was the first Airbus flight to adopt a side-stick control system that is still in use today.
Pratt & Whitney JT9D turbofan engines were responsible for powering all that innovation and comfort. These provided reliable, efficient performance that when couple with the plane’s new aerodynamic design, propelled the wide craft up to 5,150km. This made it a viable option for mid-long haul and transatlantic flights. The efficiency with which the A310-200 handled these journeys made it a strong competitor to larger capacity, less efficient aircraft like the Boeing 747.
Despite being retired from commercial usage, the Airbus A310-200 can still be found in the skies. The reliability, safety and adaptability of the craft which first took to the air over 50 years ago has ensured its future. For now, the -200 is reserved for cargo transport and even specialised government operations, but who knows what the future has in store.