Tag Archives: Airbus A330neo

StarLux takes delivery of its first Airbus A330neo

StarLux Airlines has made this announcement:

STARLUX Airlines will take delivery of its first A330neo B-58301 today in Toulouse, France. The aircraft will arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at 16:15 on February 19^th local time. STARLUX was the first airline in Taiwan to purchase an A321neo, which was flown back to Taiwan personally by K.W. Chang, the company’s chairman. STARLUX is now the first airline in Taiwan to take delivery of an A330neo.

Company chairman K.W. Chang said, “My team and I had spent much time evaluating and discussing the selection of the optimal mid-range aircraft to augment our current line A321neos and A350 XWBs, expanding the range of our fleet to full strength, covering short, mid and long range flights. The efficiency of the A330neo is outstanding by bringing together enhanced technologies and highly efficient Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines. In addition, pilots can easily acquire type rating for various aircraft that make up the Airbus family. I am delighted to welcome our first A330neo, as it marks a key milestone in our growth. With the addition of the A330neo, STARLUX can deploy our fleet more flexibly and provide our service to more passengers over regional routes.”

STARLUX intends to lease eight A330neos. The B-58301 is the first of these and will be put into service after the approval process and required crew training is completed in May. Three more will be added to the fleet this year. The A330neos will gradually fly additional routes to major cities within the Asia-Pacific region including Macau, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Bangkok and Tokyo.

Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo provides an unprecedented level of efficiency — with 12% lower fuel burn per flight than previous generation competitors — and provides significant noise reduction. STARLUX also signed a long-term TotalCare service agreement for the airline’s eight Airbus A330neo aircraft with Rolls-Royce, building on the existing partnership with the jet engine manufacturer. The airline has ordered 18 Airbus A350 XWBs powered by Trent XWB engines, which are also covered by the TotalCare long-term service agreement.

STARLUX’s A330neo features a spacious layout with 297 seats, including 28 in business class and 269 in economy class. The A330neo is equipped with an Airbus Airspace cabin, designed to customize and maximize all available space and provide added comfort and ambience. The overhead storage of the STARLUX A330neo is 66% larger, ensuring that passengers have enough space to stow their luggage. The state-of-the-art LED lighting can switch between different scenarios to set the right ambience throughout all phases of a flight and even reduce jetlag.

The cabin interior is once again designed by BMW Designworks to evoke the ambience of “Home in the Air“. The “Pure Tea” color theme featuring natural colors, the warm fabric and leather, along with the ceiling panel with Polaris glowing gently overhead combine to create a most relaxing atmosphere.

Business class passengers will now be able to enjoy more privacy. The 1-2-1 seating layout allows every passenger to have his or her own private entrance into their seat. Luxuriously covered with a cashmere silver back shell and enlarged privacy dividers, each seat can fold down into a fully flat bed. Each passenger has a side cubby for storing personal belongings like water bottles and headphones, and a mirror is mounted on the cubby door. A reading light with three different brightness levels and wireless charger are available in every seat to provide the utmost in convenience and comfort during the flight.

STARLUX does not compromise the comfort of economy-class passengers either. The luxurious RECARO seats in the economy cabin offer ultra-thin seatbacks to increase leg room and are equipped with high-quality leather headrests. The headrest can be adjusted six ways to provide head and neck support for various postures. Passengers can slide their headrest up or down six inches while unfolding the side cushions to an angle that best suits them. Each seat has been installed a tablet holder and a cup holder to ensure that passengers do not have to worry about spilling their drinks or have to tuck cups sloppily in the seat pockets.

The A330neo inflight entertainment system has also been greatly upgraded. In business class, every seat is equipped with a 17.3-inch 4K screen, while passengers in economy class can also enjoy 4K resolution with 13.3-inch screen. Bluetooth audio connectivity is now available for passengers to use their own headphones onboard. 3D interactive “Kid’s map” is added for the little passengers flying STARLUX to explore the world with their fingertips.

The STARLUX fleet is now entering the beginning of a full upgrade. Not only has the first A330neo arrived, but the delivery of eighteen A350 XWBs will also start in the third quarter this year. Through strategic deployment of its A321neos, A330neos and A350 XWBs to routes of varying distances, STARLUX will be able to extend its network with utmost efficiency and to provide convenient and luxurious service from Taiwan to more and more destinations.

Air Belgium takes delivery of its first Airbus A330neo

Air Belgium, the full-service international destination carrier headquartered in Mont-Saint-Guibert in Belgium, has taken delivery of the first of two Airbus A330-900 (OO-ABF, msn 1861).

The aircraft is configured with 286 seats in a three-class layout (30 comfortable lie-flat business class, 21 premium-class, and 235 economy-class seats). The aircraft is furnished with the Airbus Airspace cabin. All seats are equipped with the latest-generation, in-flight entertainment system, on-board wifi and mood lighting.

Air Belgium will deploy the aircraft on routes connecting Brussels to long-haul destinations.

The Belgian carrier currently operates an all-Airbus widebody fleet comprising A330-200F and A340-300; the A340s will be gradually replaced by the A330neos.

Condor orders 7 Airbus A330-900s and will lease another 9, will replace 767s

Airbus issued this statement:

Condor Flugdienst GmbH has chosen the Airbus A330neo to renew its long-haul fleet with plans to introduce 16 aircraft of this new and more efficient type. The airline has signed an agreement with Airbus for the purchase of seven Airbus A330neo, and intends to lease a further nine.

The airline will operate the A330neo on its international long-haul network to the Americas, Africa, the Caribbean and Asia.

Condor also issued this statement:

Condor has decided to order 16 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft. The Supervisory Board has already agreed. As the German launch customer for the Airbus A330neo, Condor is thus focusing on latest technology, maximum efficiency and the highest level of customer comfort. Fuel consumption per passenger per 100 kilometers will be 2.1 liters, which makes Condor the European frontrunner on long-haul flights.

The first aircraft is expected in autumn 2022, whilst the replacement of the entire long-haul fleet is scheduled to be completed by mid-2024.

The Airbus A330-900neo is designed with innovative enhancements for exceptional efficiency while offering the highest levels of comfort. Guests relax with a significantly enhanced sense of space, regardless of the booking class, and enjoy the latest generation of in-flight entertainment and connectivity on board. The A330neo has special aerodynamics through improved wing design and is equipped with state-of-the-art engines from the manufacturer Rolls Royce. The Trent 7000 engines incorporate the latest technology, deliver exceptional efficiency and are capable of operating on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). Thus, the Airbus A330neo sets new standards with 20 per cent lower CO2 emissions and significant fuel savings. In fact, the Airbus A330neo is the first aircraft in the world to already be certified for the regulatory reduction in CO2 emissions, which will apply as of 2028. Besides, State-of-the-art flight and navigation systems are installed on board, which are being further developed tailor-made for Condor to meet the special requirements of the leisure airline. Noise- and CO2-efficient approach and departure procedures are thus possible even at particularly high-altitude airports – but noise pollution is also reduced by up to 60 per cent at German airports.

Note: The new Airbus A330-900s will replace the current Boeing 767-300 fleet.

Above Copyright Photo: Condor Flugdienst-Thomas Cook Boeing 767-330 ER WL D-ABUD (msn 26983) MUC (Gunter Mayer). Image: 954588.

Condor slide show:

Video:

condor-a330neo.com

Corsair takes delivery of its first Airbus A330neo

Corsair International has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330-900, on lease from Avolon, to join the French airline’s fleet.

By selecting a total of five A330neos, Corsair is executing its strategy to become an all-A330 operator.

The aircraft features 352 seats in a three-class layout, providing all the comfort and amenities of Airbus’ leading ‘Airspace’ cabin, including state-of-the-art passenger in-flight entertainment (IFE) and full WiFi connectivity throughout the cabin.

The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce’s latest-generation Trent 7000 engines. The Corsair aircraft will also be the first A330neo to feature an increased maximum take-off weight of 251 tons. This capability will allow the airline to fly long-haul destinations up to 13,400 km (7,200nm) or benefit from ten tons more payload on board.

The A330neo is a new-generation aircraft and successor to the hugely popular A330ceo widebody family. As well as the new engine option, the aircraft benefits from a host of innovations, including aerodynamic improvements and new wings and winglets that together contribute to 25% fuel-burn and CO2 reductions.

Lion Air becomes first A330neo operator in the Asia-Pacific region

Airbus has made this announcement:

Lion Air has received its first Airbus A330-900, becoming the first airline from the Asia-Pacific region to fly the A330neo. The aircraft is on lease from BOC Aviation and is the first of 10 A330neos set to join the airline’s fleet.

The A330neo will be used by Lion Air for nonstop long-haul services from Indonesia. These include pilgrimage flights from cities such as Makassar, Balikpapan and Surabaya to Jeddah and Medina in Saudi Arabia. The flight time for such routes can be up to 12 hours.

Lion Air’s A330-900 is configured for 436 passengers in a single-class configuration.

Photo: Airbus.

Airbus delivers the first A330neo to Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines took delivery of its first Airbus A330-900 (N401DZ), one of 35 A330neos the Atlanta, Georgia-based airline has on order.

Delta was the launch customer for the A330-900, ordering 25 in November 2014 and an additional 10 last year. With the addition of the A330-900, Delta is now operating both of Airbus’ newest widebody models. It has 13 A350-900s in its fleet with another 12 on order. Delta operates more than 265 Airbus aircraft including A321s and A220s, and the airline’s order backlog with Airbus exceeds 270 including 100 A321neos.

An environmental milestone was set as a Delta crew ferried the new A330-900 back to the company’s Atlanta base using a jet fuel blended from conventional sources and non-petroleum synthetic fuel.

Delta will initially base its A330-900s at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, where it will operate the aircraft on flights to Shanghai, Seoul and Tokyo Narita. Delta will configure its A330-900s for 281 passengers, including 29 in business-class suites, 28 in premium economy, 56 in extra-legroom economy seats, and 168 in standard economy. The aircraft will feature Delta’s new internally developed in-flight entertainment system.

Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, and featuring a new wing with increased span and A350 XWB-inspired Sharklets, the A330neo provides an unprecedented level of efficiency – with 25 percent lower fuel burn per seat than previous generation competitors.

The A330-900 can accommodate 287 seats in a typical three-class layout or up to 440 for high-density configurations with a range of up to 7,200 nautical miles.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by Airbus): Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-941 F-WWKF (N401DZ) (msn 1915) TLS (Eurospot). Image: 946565.

Video:

Delta Air Lines aircraft slide show (Airbus):

Avolon delivers one Airbus A330neo to Azul

Avolon, the international aircraft leasing company, has announced the delivery of one Airbus A330neo to Azul. Avolon has 15 aircraft on lease to Azul.

This is the first Airbus A330-900 for Azul.

Photo: Avolon.

Delta Air Lines’ first Airbus A330neo makes its first flight

The first Airbus A330-900 (the pictured F-WWKF to become N401DZ) wide body destined for Delta Air Lines made its inaugural test flight Tuesday from Toulouse Airport. The highly fuel-efficient twin-engine jet, one of 35 Delta has on order, is due to be delivered to the Atlanta, Georgia-based airline in the coming weeks.

The A330-900 is the larger of the two A330neo variants that Airbus launched in 2014. The A330neo brings significant efficiency improvements while also introducing the award-winning Airspace by Airbus cabin, which offers the newest and most advanced in-flight experience with extra personal space, larger overhead luggage bins, latest generation in-flight entertainment system and state-of-the-art ambient lighting.

Incorporating the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, along with aerodynamic enhancements – including new extended composite wingtips which provide 3.7 metres of increased overall wing-span, as well as increased lift and reduced drag – the A330neo is a more efficient aircraft, delivering 25% lower fuel burn than previous generation aircraft and the lowest seat-mile cost in its category. The A330-900 range is 6,550 nautical miles in a typical three-class configuration.

Photo: Airbus.

First Lion Air A330neo rolls-out of the Airbus paint shop

Airbus has made this announcement:

The first A330neo for Lion Air Group has rolled out of the Airbus paint shop in Toulouse, France, featuring the airline’s distinctive livery. The aircraft will be operated on lease from BOC Aviation.

Altogether, Lion Air Group will acquire 10 A330neo aircraft, eight of which will be leased from BOC Aviation. The aircraft will have a single-class layout seating 440 passengers and will be operated by Lion Air on selected domestic routes, as well as charter and pilgrimage service to Saudi Arabia. Some of the aircraft will be operated by Thai Lion on long-haul services from Thailand.

The first aircraft will now continue its industrial process and proceed soon to ground and flight tests, before the delivery to the airline in the coming weeks.

The A330neo is the true new-generation aircraft building on the best-selling widebody A330’s features and leveraging on A350 XWB technology. Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo provides an unprecedented level of efficiency – with 25% lower fuel burn per seat than previous generation competitors. Equipped with the Airspace by Airbus cabin, the A330neo offers a unique passenger experience with more personal space and the latest generation in-flight entertainment system and connectivity.

Photo: Airbus.

ALC delivers the first Airbus A330-900neo to Air Mauritius

ALC has made this announcement:

Air Lease Corporation has announced the delivery of one new Airbus A330-900neo aircraft on long-term lease to Air Mauritius. Featuring Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, this Airbus aircraft is the first of two A330-900neos to deliver to the airline from ALC’s order book with Airbus.

The two new aircraft will replace two older Airbus A340-300s.

Moreover, based on its future fleet requirements, Air Mauritius is maintaining its order of two Airbus A350- 900 aircraft for 2019 and has decided to reschedule the delivery of the last two A350-900 aircraft, initially planned for 2020, to 2023.

Airbus made this announcement:

Air Mauritius has taken delivery of its first A330-900, on lease from ALC during a ceremony held in Toulouse. The national carrier of the Republic of Mauritius is the first A330neo operator based in the southern hemisphere, and the first airline in the world to operate a combination of both the A330neo and A350 XWB.

Benefiting from the A330neo’s unbeatable operating economics and award-winning Airspace cabin, the aircraft (named Aapravasi Ghat in reference to Mauritius’ history) will feature a two-class cabin with 28 business class seats and 260 economy class seats. The carrier will deploy the aircraft on routes connecting Mauritius to Europe (mainly London and Geneva), India and South East Asian routes and on regional destinations including Johannesburg, Antananarivo and Reunion Island.

Air Mauritius CEO Somas Appavou stated: “I am delighted to welcome our first Airbus A330neo, another milestone in our fleet modernisation programme. The addition of two A330neos to our fleet will bring more flexibility and efficiency to our operations while supporting our network strategy. The A330neo offers similar levels of comfort as the A350 XWB, which has received very favourable feedback from our customers. I strongly believe that with the addition of the A330neo to our fleet, Air Mauritius will further reinforce its focus and emphasis on the customer who are at the very core of our business model.”

“Sugar and spice and all things nice! Like its namesake, inspired by the island’s history in developing the sugar industry, their first A330neo will pioneer Air Mauritius into a whole different level of efficiency and flexibility by operating both the A330neo and the A350 XWB, our latest generation widebodies”, said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “Passengers will enjoy unmatched levels comfort in our award winning ‘Airspace by Airbus’ cabins on both aircraft. Well done to our trusted partner on being the world’s first airline to operate the A330neo and the A350 XWB together – a sweet combination!”

Air Mauritius currently operates nine Airbus aircraft, of which two A350-900s, three A340-300s, two A330-200s and two A319s on its regional and long haul services.

The A330neo Family is the new generation A330, comprising two versions: the A330-800 and A330-900 sharing 99 percent commonality. It builds on the proven economics, versatility and reliability of the A330 Family, while reducing fuel consumption by about 25% per seat versus previous generation competitor aircraft and offering an unrivalled range capability. The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce’s latest-generation Trent 7000 engines and features a new wing with increased span and new A350 XWB-inspired Sharklets.

With an order book of more than 1,700 aircraft from 120 customers to date, the A330 is the most popular widebody family.

Air Mauritius aircraft slide show:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Air Mauritius Airbus A330-941 F-WWCN (3B-NBU) (msn 1884) TLS (Eurospot). Image: 945855.