US lessor Intrepid Aviation Group has signed a letter of intent with Airbus for the purchase of 20 A330-200 freighters.

Deliveries of the A330-200Fs are scheduled to begin in early 2010. It marks the first publicly announced commitment for the aircraft.

“When we shifted our focus a few years back to widebody freighters, we began to keep a close eye on Airbus,” says Intrepid Aviation chief executive Ron Anderson. “Throughout its history, Intrepid has maintained a focus on the world freighter market requirements and believes the A330-200F will address the significant needs of the industry in the decade beginning in 2010.”

Airbus, which has yet to formally launch the A330-200F, received authorisation to offer the A330 freighter last summer.
The aircraft will offer up to a 64t payload over 4,000nm (7,400km).

Source: FlightGlobal.com