Airbus A310-300F 

Introduction

The Airbus A310-300F is a dedicated wide-body freighter based on the successful A310 passenger aircraft, offering a strong blend of cargo capacity, range, and reliability. Designed for medium- to long-haul freight operations, the A310-300F is valued for its versatility and relatively low operating costs compared to newer freighters. Though no longer in production, many A310-300Fs remain in active service globally, operated by cargo carriers and logistics firms for scheduled and charter missions.

Specification of Airbus A310-300F

• Manufacturer: Airbus (France)

• Model: A310-300F

• Crew: 2 (pilot and co-pilot)

• Cargo Capacity: Up to 39 tonnes (85,000 lbs) of payload

• Engines: 2 × General Electric CF6-80C2 or Pratt & Whitney JT9D turbofans

• Length: 46.66 m (153 ft 1 in)

• Wingspan: 43.89 m (144 ft 0 in)

• Height: 15.8 m (51 ft 10 in)

• Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 164,000 kg (361,558 lbs)

• Main Cargo Door: Forward left fuselage – 3.58 × 2.58 m (141 × 102 in)

Performance and Range of Airbus A310-300F

The Airbus A310-300F is well-suited for intercontinental routes with solid performance metrics:

• Cruise Speed: 850 km/h (460 knots / Mach 0.82)

• Maximum Range: 7,240 km (3,910 nautical miles) with full payload

• Service Ceiling: 41,000 ft

• Takeoff Distance: Approx. 2,500 m (8,200 ft)

• Landing Distance: Approx. 1,700 m (5,577 ft)

Its strong performance allows for flexible routing between global hubs, including non-stop services across continents.

Cabin and Cargo Interior of Airbus A310-300F

The Airbus A310-300F is optimized for cargo movement with a reinforced floor and specialized loading systems:

• Main Deck Cargo Volume: Approx. 275 m³ (9,708 ft³)

• Lower Hold Volume: Approx. 122 m³ (4,300 ft³)

• ULD Capacity:
  Main Deck: Up to 22 standard 96" x 125" pallets
  Lower Hold: Compatible with LD3 containers or pallets

• Cargo Features:
  Electrically powered roller conveyors
  Temperature control for sensitive shipments
  Fire suppression and smoke detection systems
  Reinforced doors and floor for high-density cargo

This setup is ideal for moving parcels, pharmaceuticals, perishables, and general freight.

Avionics and Technology of Airbus A310-300F

While the Airbus A310-300F platform dates back to the 1980s, its cockpit and systems remain reliable and well-supported:

• Cockpit Type: Two-crew digital “glass” cockpit (one of the first in Airbus history)

• Avionics Suite: Inertial navigation, dual flight management systems, auto-throttle

• Navigation and Safety: TCAS, EGPWS, weather radar, GPS (upgraded in most active aircraft)

• Autopilot: CAT III autoland capabilities, VNAV/LNAV, and RVSM-compliant

• Maintenance: Widely supported due to shared systems with A300 and early Airbus models

Retrofits and modern upgrades are common among current operators for continued compliance.

Operational Advantages of Airbus A310-300F

The Airbus A310-300F offers dependable service and cargo flexibility for freight operators:

• Proven Airframe: Used worldwide in civil and military operations for decades

• High Payload Density: Ideal for heavy cargo or consolidated shipments

• Lower Capital Cost: More economical than newer wide-body freighters

• Global Support: Abundant spare parts, experienced MRO facilities

• Airport Flexibility: Operable from most major cargo hubs without special infrastructure

It serves well in point-to-point, integrator, and ACMI cargo operations.

Who Should Charter Airbus A310-300F

The Airbus A310-300F is a great fit for:

• Freight Forwarders and Logistics Providers: Medium- and long-haul bulk transport

• E-Commerce and Express Operators: Ideal for hub-to-hub parcel movement

• Government and Military Logistics: For humanitarian aid or supply chain distribution

• Pharma, Electronics, and Automotive Industries: Transport of high-value, time-sensitive cargo

• Airlines Needing Temporary Lift: Useful for ACMI wet-lease or charter solutions

Its balance of capacity and cost makes it ideal for large shipments across regions or continents.

Charter Cost Estimates for Airbus A310-300F

As a wide-body freighter, the Airbus A310-300F offers competitive pricing for its payload class:

• Hourly Charter Rate: $16,000 to $22,000 USD

• Typical Charter (5–7 hour flight): $90,000 to $150,000 USD

• Cost per Kilogram (Estimate): $0.80 – $1.20 USD (based on full load and route)

Costs vary depending on operator, fuel prices, ground handling, and route distance.

Conclusion

The Airbus A310-300F remains a reliable and efficient solution for medium- to long-haul freight operations. With excellent cargo capacity, proven airframe performance, and global support infrastructure, it continues to play a vital role in modern logistics despite newer aircraft entering the market. For charter clients needing large-volume or heavy-lift cargo solutions with intercontinental range, the A310-300F delivers solid value and dependable performance.