The first flight of the new Airbus A330-800neo aircraft took place on 6 November.
As the second member of the A330neo Family, the A330-800 is the most efficient, longest-range entry-level widebody aircraft. It joins the longer-fuselage A330-900 variant, which offers the lowest seat-mile cost in midsize widebody category and will soon be entering airline service with launch operator TAP Air Portugal.
Passenger capacity of the A330-800 variant is 257 passengers in a three-class configuration, with the A330-900 version seating 287 passengers with similar typical three-class layout.
The shorter -800 model was recently given a boost with a new order from Kuwait Airways for eight aircraft.
The four-hour first flight of the test aircraft, F-WTTO (cn 1888), took place from Toulouse Blagnac airport and will precede a testing programme prior to first deliveries.
“Today’s first flight of the A330-800 is the latest addition to our efficient Widebody family,” said Guillaume Faury, President Airbus Commercial Aircraft. “The A330-800 is an exceptionally versatile ‘route-opener’, offering unbeatable economics for airlines – encompassing everything from short to very-long haul widebody missions.” He added: “We look forward to the successful flight-test campaign, leading to certification next year.”
Here are the pictures:
