The latest variant of Airbus’ A330 – the new 242 tonne MTOW A330-300 – has achieved certification from the European airworthiness authorities (EASA) following a 100 hour flight-test campaign. Certification from the US authorities (FAA) is also expected soon. Airbus said that in the near future, the smaller A330-200 model will follow the -300 by benefiting from the 242t take-off weight capability. To date 11 customers have selected their new A330s to have a 242t capability.
Eric Zanin, Airbus’ head of the A330 Programme said: “The latest A330’s maximum take-off weight capability of 242 metric tonnes, combined with various aerodynamic refinements and increased fuel capacity means that soon operators will benefit from an extended range of up to 500 nautical miles or carry greater payload. Moreover, they will do so with a fuel consumption reduction of up two per cent – yet another concrete example of Airbus’ incremental innovation strategy.” The 242t A330’s structure is also the basis for development of the forthcoming A330neo.
The combination of the increased take-off weight, aerodynamic improvements and the optional fuel capacity boost – compared with the previous 235t version – means that the new 242t A330-300 is capable of flying missions of up to 15 hours, or carry more payload over existing routes. In practice this means that it will allow operators to fly directly between Europe and Southeast Asia and could be used for more than 90 per cent of typical routes from London airport. Airbus said.
