Initial Metal Cut For A330neo Parts Underway In Toulouse And Nantes

Airbus’ first A330neo is coming to life one year after the program was launched, with the first 'cutting of metal' underway at its production facilities in Toulouse and Nantes. Machining of the first engine pylon started during the summer at Airbus’ facility in Saint-Eloi (Toulouse), while Airbus’ Plant in Nantes began production of the first A330neo center wing box.

The first A330neo Center Wing Box rib 1 produced in Nantes uses an innovative Isogrid design with 330 triangular pockets which enables the part to meet all our rigidity, strength and low weight requirements.

The all-new pylon produced in Saint-Eloi is a key element in the A330neo’s innovative design, attaching the latest generation Trent 7000 engines to the wings. Made out of light weight titanium, the A330neo pylon uses cutting-edge aerodynamics, materials and design technologies derived from the A350 XWB. The A330neo pylon will be fitted with a new A350 XWB inspired fairing made from composite materials and titanium for ensuring optimized aerodynamics.

The A330-800neo and the A330-900neo are two new members of the Airbus Widebody Family with first deliveries scheduled to start in Q4 2017. The A330neo incorporates latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features. Benefitting from the unbeatable economics, versatility and high reliability of the A330, the A330neo reduces fuel consumption by 14% per seat, according to Airbus. In addition, A330neo operators will also benefit from a range increase of up to 400 nautical miles and of course all the operational commonality advantages of the Airbus Family, the company said in a news release.

(Image provided by Airbus)

FMI: www.airbus.com