Images from Libya's main international airport at Tripoli show that at least two Airbus A300s, one from each of the main airlines, have been destroyed in the conflict between rebel forces and those loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.
One of Libyan Airlines' A300-600s (5A-DLZ) was captured burning on the airfield. The airframe is a 20-year old twinjet, fitted with Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines, and previously operated services in EgyptAir colours.
Little more than the empennage and engines remain recognisable from an Afriqiyah Airbus, also burned out, but indications from the vertical fin - including the specific layout of the logo and partial registration - indicate the twinjet is an A300-600 (5A-IAY) formerly used as a VIP transport by Libya's government.
The aircraft was 26 years old and powered by Pratt & Whitney JT9D turbofans. Its former operators included the United Arab Emirates government which used the A300 as an executive jet.
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Source: Libyan Youth Movement website |
It is unclear when the aircraft was destroyed, but the wreckage lies at the eastern end of the ramp south of the passenger terminal. At least one other Afriqiyah aircraft, an A320-family jet, appears to have been damaged by fire on the underside of its fuselage.
Also visible on the Tripoli apron are a Boeing 737-800 (5A-DMH) of Libyan carrier Buraq Air, at least one other Buraq aircraft, several Afriqiyah A330 and A320-family jets, and Libya's distinctive A340-200 state aircraft, which also bears Afriqiyah colours.
At the western end of the ramp is parked an Antonov An-124 from freight operator Libyan Air Cargo.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
