On Track For First Flight Planned For Mid-Year

The newest member of the A330neo Family, the A330-800, has rolled out of the paint shop, on track for its first flight in mid-2018.

The A330-800 is the new generation 250-seater from Airbus’ leading twin-aisle family. With its 242-metric ton Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) as the base variant, the A330-800 can operate routes of up to 7,500nm and with the recently launched 251-tonne MTOW variant, the aircraft can operate ultra-long-range routes of up to 8,150nm. The A330-800 will leverage the A330-200’s proven versatility, popularity and reasons for success, offering new-generation economics.

Building on the success of the A330-200 with over 600 aircraft in operation, the A330-800 brings new-generation economics and comfort in addition to unprecedented range to the 250-seat aircraft market. Together with the larger 300-seat A330-900, they share 99 percent commonality, having the same airframe, engines and cross-crew training. This gives operators great flexibility to use either aircraft in their fleet according to network needs in size and range. Both of these widebody aircraft incorporate new Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, zero-splice nacelles, titanium pylons, new wings and new Airspace by Airbus cabins. The most visible new features of the A330neo wings are the specially developed curved wingtip Sharklets – which draw on A350 XWB technology, extending the wingspan to 210 feet, providing state-of-the art aerodynamic characteristics.

Airlines will benefit from 25 percent less fuel burn per seat compared to previous-generation competitors, reduced maintenance costs and the A330’s market-leading 99.5 percent operational reliability. Passengers will enjoy the award-winning all new Airspace cabin inspired by the A350 XWB. On top of latest generation in-flight entertainment and connectivity, passengers can look forward to a new welcoming entrance area, spacious overhead bins, mood lighting and exceptionally quiet flights.

(Image provided with Airbus news release)

FMI: www.airbus.com