The Airbus A330-800neo is the less common variant of the A330neo family, with significantly fewer operators than its larger sibling, the A330-900neo.
Designed as a more fuel-efficient replacement for the A330-200, the -800neo features the same Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, new winglets, and updated avionics as the -900 but has a shorter fuselage, lower seating capacity, and longer range.
Since its first flight in 2018, the A330neo family has gained popularity among airlines looking for a cost-effective widebody aircraft. However, the A330-800 has remained significantly less popular than the A330-900.
Airlines Operating the A330-800neo
As of now, only a handful of airlines operate the A330-800neo:
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Kuwait Airways – One of the first airlines to take delivery of the A330-800, using it for long-haul routes, including flights to Europe and Asia.
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Uganda Airlines – Uses the aircraft primarily for long-haul routes from Entebbe to destinations such as London and Dubai.
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Air Greenland – Recently received the A330-800 to replace its older A330-200, primarily for flights between Greenland and Denmark.
Future A330-800 Operators
Photo (c) Quentin
Unlike the A330-900neo, which has been widely adopted by airlines such as Delta, TAP Air Portugal, and AirAsia X, the A330-800neo has struggled to attract orders. Most airlines have opted for the larger, more economical A330-900 due to its higher passenger capacity.
Despite this, the A330-800 still has outstanding orders from the following airlines:
- Garuda Indonesia (4)
- Kuwait Airways (4)
- Uganda Airlines (2)
- Plus a private operator.
The A330-800neo remains an aircraft that enthusiasts and spotters may find interesting due to its rarity. If you’re looking to experience a flight on this aircraft, checking routes operated by the airlines above will be your best bet.
Have you ever flown one? Leave a comment below!
Title image: Colin Cooke Photo, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
