The A300-600R descends from the A300, the twin-engine wide-body whose first version launched Airbus and proved that two engines were enough for high-capacity medium-haul flying. This later variant flew in 1983 on two General Electric CF6-80C2A5 engines, seating 266 in usual service and up to 361 across about 7,540 km. It runs 54.08 metres long with a 44.84-metre wing, cruises near 829 km/h, and grosses up to 170,500 kg for a 12,200-metre ceiling. Refined systems and a longer reach set the -600R apart within the line, a tall wide-body standing 16.53 metres to the fin, before production wound down. Its ICAO code is A306.
Das Flugzeug, das Airbus lancierte. Der A300 war das erste zweimotorige Großraumflugzeug der Welt und bewies, dass zwei Triebwerke für den kapazitätsstarken Mittelstreckenverkehr ausreichen.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Airbus A300-600R typically seats 266 passengers in a two-class configuration. In a high-density single-class layout, it can carry up to 345 passengers. The cabin is 5.28 m wide with a 2-4-2 seating arrangement in economy. The A300 was the world's first twin-engine wide-body aircraft.
The Airbus A300-600R has a maximum range of approximately 7,540 km (4,070 nautical miles). The R designation stands for extended range, achieved through additional fuel capacity in the tailplane trim tank. The aircraft uses either General Electric CF6-80C2 or Pratt & Whitney PW4158 engines. This range covers medium-haul international routes in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The A300-600R has a wider cabin (5.28 m vs 4.72 m) allowing 2-4-2 economy seating versus the 767's 2-3-2. The 767-300 offers longer range and better fuel efficiency. The A300-600R carries more passengers per flight, making it preferred on high-density routes in Asia. FedEx Express operates the largest A300-600F (freighter) fleet, with the type forming the backbone of their network.
The A300-600R is a twin-engine wide-body with a distinctive broad fuselage that appears shorter and wider than the Boeing 767. It has a characteristic Airbus cockpit shape with the pointed nose. The wingtip fences and large underwing engines are identifying features. The A300's cross-section (identical to the A310, A330, and A340) has a distinctive oval shape that is wider than the 767.
The Airbus A300, which first flew in October 1972, was the very first Airbus aircraft and the world's first twin-engine wide-body airliner. It proved that a twin-engine aircraft could reliably serve medium-haul routes previously requiring three or four engines. The A300 established the European consortium model for aircraft manufacturing and created the foundation for Airbus to challenge Boeing's dominance. A total of 561 A300s were delivered across all variants. The type proved particularly successful as a freighter, with many conversions still operating worldwide.