Airbus launches new fuel-efficient A330
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Airbus is launching a new fuel-efficient version of its popular wide-body aircraft, the A330.
The new A330-800neo and A330-900neo will replace the existing A330-200 and A330-300 models, incorporating new engines that burn less fuel and a range of new cabin features. The neo suffix stands for ‘new engine option’, referring to the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines that will be used to power the aircraft.
“The A330 is a very important margin contributor for our group. It’s also one of the most reliable and efficient commercial aircraft ever,” said Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus Group.”With our decision to re-engine the plane, we will keep the A330 flying high for many more years to come.”
In addition to the new engines, Airbus said it will improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the A330, including some design features introduced on the new A350, such as an increased wing span and upturned wing-tips. The passenger cabin will be reconfigured to offer approximately 10 more seats than the existing A330s, along with mood-lighting and in-flight connectivity.
Airbus is promising a 14% reduction in fuel-consumption per seat on the new A330, allowing the aircraft to compete with Boeing’s new fuel-efficient models, the B787 Dreamliner and B777-X. Deliveries of the A330neo are expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2017.
“The A330neo is the logical evolution of our reliable and versatile A330 family,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus’ president & CEO. “We see strong market potential for the A330neo, and like its market-leading smaller sister, the A320neo, we are confident this new aircraft will be a success in the medium-haul segment. We are again leveraging a proven aircraft with a wide operator base and making it even more efficient with the latest innovations and technology developments.”
Airbus is also in the process of developing the new single-aisle A320neo and twin-aisle A350 aircraft, both of which will offer three different-sized variants.
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