Airbus is awarded an European Type Certificate for the new A330-200F freighter

Copyright Photos: Airbus A330-223F F-WWYE (msn 1004) is one of the two test aircraft.

Airbus (Toulouse and Hamburg) has received its Type Certification for the A330-200F from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), paving the way for delivery startup of Airbus’ next-generation freighter this summer.

Certification comes as a result of the freighter’s successful 200-hour flight test campaign, which evaluated the aircraft’s handling qualities, performance and cargo capabilities. The trials were performed by two aircraft, each powered by one of the A330-200F’s two available engine types: the Pratt & Whitney PW4000 and the Rolls-Royce Trent 700.

In total, five of these mid-size freighters will be delivered in 2010. Total orders for the aircraft now stand at 66.

This dedicated freighter aircraft, which is derived from Airbus’ A330-200 passenger version, is now expected to receive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Certification in the coming weeks.

Over 3,400 freighters will be needed in the next 20 years to accommodate a 5.2 per cent average annual growth rate, according to Airbus’ 2009 Global Market Forecast. This will include around 1,600 mid-sized freighters, of which the A330-200F will play an important role.