First A330-200F freighter advances through its final assembly process

Final assembly of Airbus' first A330-200F is well underway as the new-generation cargo jetliner is readied for its maiden flight in November.

This aircraft began an on-time build-up in June, which has included the mating of its fuselage sections, wing and horizontal/vertical tail, as well as installation of the main and nose landing gear.

It was integrated on the same Toulouse, France assembly line as Airbus' other A330 and A340 long-range widebody aircraft, and will be used for a four-month flight test campaign.

Certification of the A330-200F is planned for spring 2010 by the European and U.S. airworthiness authorities.

The A330-200F is equipped with a 141 X 101-inch cargo door on the forward fuselage, which will enable the jetliner to accommodate cargo containers and freight pallets on the main deck.

As a new-generation freighter derived from Airbus' proven A330 jetliner family, the A330-200F offers highly efficient operation while generating less noise and emissions than the ageing fleets of mid-sized cargo aircraft used in worldwide service today.

Airbus currently has 65 firm orders from nine customers for the A330-200F.