I have always loved the A310 and have been suprised how quickly airlines have been to replace them, many werent very old! It was a very nice looking aircraft and at home on both short and long haul routes. I much prefer it over the 767-300.
I once flew on a Sabena A310 to Africa and even flew on a British Caledonian example to CDG in the mid 80s
By: Pablo - 18th August 2004 at 16:52
The A310 is pretty old technology these days. It was based on the A300B4, which even pre-dated the A300-600R. For this reason, I understand that it is no longer seen as an economical aircraft for most airlines vis-a-vis the likes of the 767-200.
Personally speaking though, I would love fly on an A310.
By: seahawk - 18th August 2004 at 16:11
A310 was a crappy plane. A shortened A300 to give it longer range. In the end i ended up being a medicore medium ranged plane and a at best medium range long range plane.
By: Lawstud - 18th August 2004 at 08:31
How about Lufthansa?
The Belgian Air Force has two or three A310-300’s.
Lufthansa got rid of all their A310s, they only fly A300-600s by now.
http://konzern.lufthansa.com/de/html/ueber_uns/flotte/index.html
Some of the A310 were sold to the Luftwaffe and are now converted into MRT(T)s.
The future of the A300B4s, A300-600s and A310s will be the same faith as the as it was for the DC-8 and Boeing 707. They will be used as cargo planes (civilian and military).
By: KabirT - 18th August 2004 at 01:44
I think TAP’s A310s are on their way out soon. Destined to be made into tin cans
or bought by Air India. :p
By: Dantheman77 - 17th August 2004 at 23:34
i love the A310,flew on one with Cyprus Airways from Heathrow to Larnaca,beautiful airplane,good airline,extremely nice captain who explained the complications of weight and balance, and fuel burn didnt understand any of it…but then again i was only 11 or 12 at the time
By: danairboy - 17th August 2004 at 23:25
Ah the Tristar, another beautiful plane. The A310 is a worthy replacement for Air Transat and Im sure much more fuel-efficient!
By: RIPConcorde - 17th August 2004 at 23:14
Air Transat have just replaced a whole Tristar fleet with them.
I think CSA will hold on to theirs for a few more years to come too…
By: Jeanske_SN - 17th August 2004 at 22:56
How about Lufthansa?
The Belgian Air Force has two or three A310-300’s.
By: MSR777 - 17th August 2004 at 22:50
Flown on A310s of both CSA and Aeroflot. Sadly missed the Interflug ones. A very nice aircraft from a passengers point of view. Would be nice to hear from someone who has actually piloted one!
By: Bmused55 - 17th August 2004 at 21:47
Its sad that those aircraft are being prematurely retired. Even Kenya Airways have got rid of their aircraft, lets hope Tap keep flying their A310s long haul for a few years.
I think TAP’s A310s are on their way out soon. Destined to be made into tin cans
By: danairboy - 17th August 2004 at 21:44
Its sad that those aircraft are being prematurely retired. Even Kenya Airways have got rid of their aircraft, lets hope Tap keep flying their A310s long haul for a few years.
By: Bmused55 - 17th August 2004 at 21:40
Well, the first A310’s are already getting broken up.
I’m not certain of the exact reasons, but I do know they are getting increasingly expensive to operate and are suffering from reliability issues.
The also have low market value so are perhaps no longer worthwhile investing in. (Parts, paint, maintenance etc)
By: danairboy - 17th August 2004 at 21:20
Your father must have many fond memories. I know I have, I flew them many times and it was always an experience. They had such a wide variety of types in their fleet and had character and humour!
I fear that if they were still here today, they would have been quick to adopt the no-frills. However their Class Elite business service was very good!
By: GASYD - 17th August 2004 at 21:08
A310 retirement
Not sure why they are early but maybe a further use for them will be the tanker option (cheap version) we shall see.
Flew Gatwick – Glasgow – Toronto and back in 1996 on A310 and was very pleased with flight..
Cheer’s
Nik
Who’s father worked for DAN-Air !!
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August 17, 2004 at 8:41 pm