The Airbus A310 is a wide-body twin-engine jetliner developed as a shortened, more efficient derivative of the A300. Introduced in the early 1980s, the A310 was designed for medium- to long-haul routes and became known for its versatility, fuel efficiency, and modern flight systems. It was Airbus's first aircraft to feature a two-crew glass cockpit from the outset, helping establish the company as a pioneer in digital avionics and cockpit automation.

The A310 played a key role in expanding Airbus’s presence in global markets and laid the technological groundwork for the future A330 and A340 families.

Key Specifications (A310-300)

• Crew: 2 (Pilots).
• Capacity: Typically 280 passengers (up to ~280 in high-density layout).
• Length: 46.66 m (153 ft 1 in).
• Wingspan: 43.90 m (144 ft 0 in).
• Height: 15.80 m (51 ft 10 in).
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): Up to 164,000 kg (361,600 lb).
• Engines: 2× General Electric CF6-80C2 or Pratt & Whitney JT9D/PW4000 turbofans.
• Cruise Speed: Mach 0.80 (~858 km/h or 533 mph).
• Range: ~9,540 km (5,930 mi) for the A310-300 variant.
• Ceiling: ~41,000 ft (12,500 m).

Notable Features

• Shorter fuselage than the A300 with improved aerodynamic efficiency.
• Advanced two-crew glass cockpit, eliminating the need for a flight engineer.
• Flexible cabin layout suited for both passenger and cargo configurations.
• Long-range capability made it a favorite for transatlantic and intercontinental flights.
• Highly successful in military service as a transport, refueler, and medical evacuation aircraft.

Variants

• A310-200 – Early production model with shorter range.
• A310-300 – Long-range version with increased MTOW and fuel capacity.
• A310 MRTT – Multi Role Tanker Transport conversion for military use.
• A310F – Freighter version, either converted from passenger service or built new.

Operators & Usage

• Operated by airlines such as Lufthansa, Swissair, Pan Am, and Singapore Airlines.
• Later years saw a shift to cargo operators like FedEx and DHL, and military services worldwide.
• Still in limited service today with some air forces and cargo carriers.
• Known for versatility and reliability, especially in specialized and niche roles.