Another day, another A330 enters the assembly line. Nothing newsworthy about that is there?
Well the one that has entered assembly at Toulouse is slightly different to the others.
Airbus have developed an updated version of their A330 series with a maximum take off weight, with it raising the bar to 242 metric tonnes (238.17 long tonnes, 266.76 short tonnes).
The first 242 Tonne A330 in assembly – Image, Airbus.
Two aircraft are being built, with the first to be the test and certification aircraft, whilst the second aircraft will be built for Delta Air Lines – who will be the launch carrier of the increased maximum take off weight. Higher weight variants will allow more cargo or passengers, whilst increasing range.
This variant will be an Airbus A330-300, powered with a pair of General Electric CF6 engines. Combined with aerodynamic changes, this will save 2% fuel compared to existing A330-300s.
Whilst 2% saving on fuel burn doesn’t sound a lot, a lot of 2%’s add up to the bottom line of an airlines fuel bill.
Delta have ten of these 242 tonne Airbus A330-300 aircraft on order.
Subject to certification, the newest variant of the Airbus A330 will enter service in the second quarter of 2015.
For those who fly Delta Air Lines, these should represent a further step forward in passenger comfort and amenities… provided they’re fitted out well…
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