The new freighter variant of the Airbus A330 aircraft, the A330-200F, has performed a four-hour maiden flight.

The A330-200F offers two operational configurations based on the mission. The aircraft can carry more than 64t over 4,000nm.

Alternatively, it can transport over 69t up to 3,200nm.

The optimised fuselage cross-section allows the cargo aicraft to carry a range of pallet and container sizes for maximum interlining capability, offering 30% more volume than other freighters in its class.

Compared with its passenger version, the A330-200, the freighter has an increased maximum-zero-fuel weight (MZFW) of 8t to allow for high-density cargo configuration transportation of 10lb/ft³.

The aircraft also features a reinforced fuselage, a new strengthened floor and specially designed floor-grid for higher running loads.

The first flight begins a 180-hour flight test and certification campaign making way for the first delivery to Etihad Crystal Cargo in the summer of 2010.