A310 replacement

Hey thanks for the info

I have to disagree with the statements made by Pembo330.

Airbus will definetly be looking for a replacement for Airbus A300/A310 family. As you will see their forecast, in the near future the market will seek for aicrafts that are at the size of Airbus A300/A310. If you notice, Boeing is developing the B7E7 that more likely will replace the B767 (direct competitor of the A300/A310 family), this can be a clue that there will be a need for the aircraft to the A300/A310 size.

Airbus is facing a challenge as they need to develop a completely new family. Shrinking the A330 even further it will inherint the weight restrictions of its parent (the A330-300), therefore it cannot be considered as an alternative. Placing new technology on the existing frame of A300/A310 is also out of the question.

It is interesting to note that Airbus is loosing ground though as they concentrated their efforts and their investment on the long awaiting A380, neglecting the segment covered by A300/A310 family, giving an advantage to Boeing. By the time they actually decide to do something about it, they may loose the ground. And it is pitty if this occurs because they first entered the segment with the introduction of the Airbus A300 three decades ago!

Finally, it is interesting to note that airlines operating A310’s like Cyprus Airways and MEA replaced these birds with A330-200’s who I believe they can be claimed as the nearest possible substitution (but not an A310 replacement)

it is sad to these birds slowly slowly leaving the skies…..

Airbus will probably look at an A310 (A300 also) replacement after the A380.

But mostly sell as freighters…so wats the use?

the A300-600 and A310 are both still in production, so in theory, the best replacement for ageing aircraft would just be a new airframe.

But I do think the A330-500 will be ideal, if it ever comes about, it would complete the cirlce, and guarantee cockpit commonality over the whole Airbus fleet, with it fitting in nicely between the A321 and A330-200.

The A335 would be perfect (discussed in another thread) but if there is no demand – then there is no need for a replacement I’m afraid.

I certainly don’t think there is a need for a brand new model to replace to the A300/A310 – new variants of the A330 and A340 would suffice.

From an airline point of view, I think the B753, B762 and A332 would be the nearest direct replacements.

nothing at the moment…..