Airbus launches the A330neo

New aircraft type offers new efficiency standards for the most successful widebody family

During latest Farnborough airshow, Airbus announced the launch of two new variants in the A330 Family, the A330-800 and A330-900, or more commonly known as the A330neo.

The decision to launch the A330neo, essentially re-engined versions of the A330-200 and A330-300, was based on the following factors:

- The A330 Family is today one of the most succesful widebody family of aircraft, demonstrating the highest levels of reliability and productivity combined with low-cost economics
- Airbus historically offers customers the latest technological developments obtained through incremental improvements. The A330neo is the perfect example of that offering.
- There is a growing market requirement for very efficient aircraft in the 250-300-seat category for ranges up to 6500-7000 nautical miles, typically transatlantic operations or flights between North America and Latin America.

The A330neo incorporates latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines with a larger 112” diameter fan for a 10:1 bypass ratio, from six to 10 more seats and several new cabin features. In addition, aerodynamic efficiency enhancements, including composite ‘A350 XWB-inspired’ winglets and a wing span extension from 60.3m to 64m, will together help the A330neo achieve increased lift and reduced drag.

As a result, the A330neo will reduce fuel consumption by a further 14 percent per seat as compared with today’s A330, while expanding its operators’ market opportunities with increased payload capability and up to of 400 nautical miles more of range.

First deliveries of the newest A330 Family members are scheduled for Q4 2017.

In addition to having operational commonality with other members of the Airbus Family -- including the same pilot type rating as the A330, common type rating with the A350 XWB and the same “Code-E” gate category as the A330-200 and A330-300 -- the A330neo will also retain 95 percent airframe spares commonality with the A330 and inherit its marketing-leading reliability.

The overall success of the A330neo will lie in its incredibly low-unit cost as compared to its competitors. It is why it comes as no surprise that its first customers have been low-cost carriers, such as AirAsiaX, and leading leasing companies such as ALC, CIT and Avolon, all eager to leverage its excellent economics and anticipated success.
With already over 120 orders and commitments after Farnborough, we can expect that the A330neo will generate similar market success as its smaller sister, the A320neo.

For more information contact:
Patrick Baudis
Vice President Marketing - Americas
patrick.baudis@airbus.com