The last A300 makes its maiden flight

The final production A300 made its initial flight on 18 April, marking a milestone for the aircraft that launched Airbus on its successful entry into the international air transport sector. As the world's first widebody twin-engine jetliner, the A300 introduced new standards in passenger capacity and operational efficiency. Several versions were manufactured since its service entry in 1974, with the long-range A300-600 variant being the latest configuration in production. Of the more than 550 A300s built, over 400 remain in widespread use around the globe - both in passenger service and as a best-selling freighter. The final aircraft is an A300F freighter for FedEx, and the yet-unpainted fuselage carries wording that notes its importance as the "youngest of the eldest Airbus family."