Airbus is upgrading the A330-200's payload/range capabilities with a whopping 5 metric ton increase in maximum takeoff weight. This update was achieved 'without changing the aircraft's acoustic category or runway loading - meaning the improved A330-200 will be able to use existing runways and airport take-off slots without penalty.'

Airbus says that newly-delivered A330-200s will have the option of an extra 3.4 tons of payload or an additional 330 nautical miles of range beginning in August 2010, while a retrofit package for post-February 2004 aircraft will be available starting in November 2010. Surprisingly, the retrofit of an in-service aircraft should only take a few days for airlines to complete.

Airbus expects that the increased range and payload will make A330-200s more productive, and also provide the opportunity to open up new markets. Boosting the jetliner's payload represents significant potential revenue increases on routes flown today, while the extra range will allow carriers to expand their networks. With its additional reach of 330 nautical miles, the A330-200 can help open up routes such as South America to northwest Europe, and China to the west coast of the United States - along with many others.

To date, more than 550 A330-200s have been sold, with over 340 currently in service with carriers around the globe. The A330-200 series are being built at a production rate of 8.5 aircraft per month.

FMI: www.airbus.com