A330: Delivering long-term value

The largest operator base for a widebody ever

The ‘numbers’ for the A330 are impressive by any standard: 1,548 sales, 1,215 deliveries, 106 operators… the largest operator base for a widebody ever. The A330 is truly the world’s favorite widebody.

What about the secondary market? Aircraft often don’t stay with their first operator the whole of their operational lives; a strong secondary market is needed to ensure long-term values.

In common with most aircraft today the vast majority of A330s transition between operators via leasing. Since it entered service there have been more than 400 leases and lease extensions of used A330s involving more than 200 individual aircraft, making it one of the most ‘liquid’ widebody types. Around half of current operators have at least one used A330 in their fleets.

Since the beginning of 2014 Airbus is aware of 75 leases and lease extensions for A330s. These have involved 64 A330-200s and 11 A330-300s with 25 operators. Many new operators have joined the ‘A330 Club’ via leasing used aircraft, including four since the beginning of 2014.

Only around two percent of the A330 fleet is currently inactive and whilst there are around 30 publically offered with availability in the next two years, there are significant and evolving opportunities for A330s in the secondary market. Moderating A330 production from 10 to six per month by the first quarter of 2016 contributes to this by providing ‘space’ for the placement of used aircraft, especially younger ones.

The A330 is often the aircraft of choice for operators wanting to up-size to a widebody. The average fleet age of the A330 is around half that of the out of production 767-300ER and 777-200/-200ER. This makes the A330 a more attractive entry-level widebody and also gives significant potential to replace these types in the fleets of operators who are not able to justify the acquisition of new aircraft. The availability of a freighter conversion from 2017 also opens further opportunities.

Through continuous development and innovation the A330 remains a modern and highly competitive aircraft. A330neo demonstrates Airbus’ long term commitment to the A330, giving operators’ long-term confidence in the A330, something clearly demonstrated by 83 sales (58 CEO & 25 NEO) thus far in 2015, making it the year’s best-selling widebody.

Operational flexibility, excellent economics, a large, diverse operator base and well-established, active secondary market: this is the A330, delivering true long-term value.

For more information contact:
Richard Walker, Head of Investor Marketing
richard.o.walker@airbus.com