Countdown to A330neo entry into service

Over the years, the A330 has developed a strong customer base thanks to its unmatched versatility. With 124 operators worldwide, a figure which is significantly higher than its nearest widebody competitor, the A330 serves legacy carriers as well as low-cost airlines that fly to both domestic and long-haul destinations. Whatever the widebody requirement, the A330 Family has been the solution.

In 2018, Avianca, already an A330-200 operator, will become the first airline in Latin America to operate the largest member of the family, the A330-300. But in 2018, we will also see the A330 Family grow.

Every year, Airbus continuously invests in its programmes. The A330neo, the new-generation A330, leveraging A350 XWB technology with new wings, engines and systems, is the newest addition to the A330 Family. Bringing more range and 25 percent lower fuel burn per seat than previous-generation competitors, the A330neo is offered in two complementary variants. The first A330-800 test aircraft, the smallest variant, is currently being built, while the larger A330-900 is already flying on its test campaign with two flight test aircraft.

This flight test campaign aims at certifying each variant and will also demonstrate the same type certificate between NEO variants and more importantly, with the current variants. Since the first flight on the 19th October 2017, the two flight test aircraft have already accumulated more than 300 flight hours and over 80 flights.

The first-ever A330neo commercial aircraft is currently in the Final Assembly Line in Toulouse and will be delivered to TAP later this year. By year end, Latin America will see the A330neo in its skies as Azul becomes the first operator in the Americas. Azul’s aircraft will be fitted with the brand new Airspace cabin which will bring innovative features for airlines and a unique passenger experience for the travelling public.

For more information please contact:
Damien Sternchuss
Senior Airline Marketing Analyst
damien.sternchuss@airbus.com