Countdown to A330neo EIS

While the operating conditions in Latin America are often not particularly favourable to airlines in the region, the challenging environment provides an ideal setting to put an A330neo flight test aircraft to the test in difficult and demanding conditions.

One such test is known as the "hot weather campaign". The aim is to push the aircraft's engines to their limits to ensure they meet their specification. The first step of this campaign recently took place in Merida, Mexico with the second flight test aircraft, MSN1813. The target was to operate in conditions at 35°C but the aircraft successfully completed tests with the Outside Air Temperature (OAT) reaching up to 37°C. Three engine runs and four flights took place, not only evaluating the engine's performance but also evaluating the aircraft's hydraulics, electrics and air systems. A second batch of tests is also planned before the summer with a target to find conditions up to 41°C.

The A330neo was also seen in the region for other "high altitude" tests that took place in Bolivia. The aircraft underwent further certification testing at various challenging high elevation airports in warm and humid conditions.

Since the first flight in October, the two A330neo flight test aircraft have already accumulated more than 600 flight hours and over 170 flights.

Putting the flight test aircraft through these rigourous tests in real-life conditions that airlines in the region face on a daily basis gives Airbus the confidence that the aircraft will perform as promised when it begins flying in Latin American skies with Azul by the end of the year.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Moultrie
Head of Marketing – Airbus Latin America and the Caribbean
paul.moultrie@airbus.com