The Airbus A300B, the world’s newest passenger-cargo aircraft, has been hailed as a breakthrough in modern aviation. Designed with the most advanced aeronautical technology of its time, the aircraft features a wider fuselage, lower noise levels, and the capacity to seat eight passengers abreast. Built to meet the traffic and operational demands of the late 1970s, it represents a significant step forward in comfort, efficiency, and innovation.

Published October 11, 1973

World’s newest aircraft at Palisadoes

The Airbus A300B, the world's newest passenger-cargo aircraft—representing the technical efforts of some four European countries — touched down yesterday at 2 p.m. at the Norman Manley International Airport on a brief demonstration stop.

The aircraft, the brainchild of the European Aerospace Corporation, involves the skill and capital of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Holland and, to a lesser extent, the United States and Spain.

Shortly after touchdown, the diplomatic corps, including French Ambassador M. Jacques O'Connor and Mrs O'Connor; the German Ambassador, Kurt Schmidt; and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Netherlands Embassy,  B. Van den Brock, were taken on a tour of the aircraft.

They were escorted by Airbus personnel, Dr B. Weinhardt and Mrs Weinhardt; the managing director of Deutsche Airbus, the German firm involved in the manufacture of the aircraft; Robert Blanchet, vice-president of sales; and Mr. Arthur Howse, in charge of sales.
The aircraft was also toured by airline groups, including Air Jamaica's President Charles Eyre, and Winston Hendricks, operational manager.

The aircraft, which has been described as one "taking advantage of the most advanced aeronautical technology, and being a short to medium-range aircraft", was designed to meet the traffic and operational requirements of the late 1970s.

She boasts a lower sound level and a wider fuselage and is capable of seating eight abreast. The craft is equipped with twin engines and, during her stop, engineers enabled a first-hand look at the engines. Her next stop is Caracas.

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