Key Milestone For The Latest Variant Of The A330 Family

The first 242 metric ton Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) variant of the A330 has successfully completed its maiden flight, landing back in Toulouse-Blagnac Airport following a flight lasting 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Didier Evrard, Airbus Executive Vice President Head of Programmes said: “I congratulate the whole team in charge of the A330 242 tonnes weight variant for making this day happen ahead of schedule. We are on track to deliver this new higher weight variant in 2015 to launch customer Delta Air Lines, who will also be the launch customer for the A330neo.”

The A330 242 metric ton MTOW is the platform for the future A330neo and is concrete example of Airbus’ incremental innovation strategy. Airbus says the newest enhancement offers more capability at lower operating cost with a range extended by up to 500 nautical miles and up to two percent reduced fuel consumption while also benefiting from operational reliability of above 99 percent. The aircraft is capable of flying missions lasting up to 15 hours.

(Image provided by Airbus)

FMI: www.airbus.com