Optimized For Shorter Haul Missions And Offering Higher Capacity
In a move that would seem to be aimed directly at Boeing’s plans for its 777-x, Airbus has announced a new lower weight variant of its A330-300 wide-body aircraft that will be optimized for use on domestic and regional routes in high growth markets with large populations and concentrated traffic flows. China will be one of the most important markets for this new version of today’s world’s most efficient and reliable widebody aircraft, according to the planemaker.
The announcement was made by Fabrice Bregier (pictured), President and CEO of Airbus, at the Aviation Expo China (Beijing Airshow) 2013, which has opened its doors Wednesday in Beijing.
“The new lower weight A330-300 variant specially designed for regional and domestic use is Airbus’ solution for markets with large populations and fast growing, concentrated air traffic flows. Operators of the new A330-300 variant will benefit from a proven, mature and reliable aircraft that brings relief to limited airspace, airport congestion and pilot shortage,” said Bregier. “We are announcing the new A330-300 lower weight variant today in China because here we see strong pent-up demand for efficient and reliable wide-body aircraft connecting mega cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangzhou.”
Compared to current A330-300 variants that are adapted to longer-range missions of up to 6,100 nautical miles (nm), the new A330-300 regional and domestic variant will be optimized to seat up to around 400 passengers on missions up to 3,000 nm and offer significant cost savings through a reduced operational weight of around 200 metric tons. The reduction in fuel burn per seat and maintenance costs thanks to these innovations will result in an overall cost reduction by up to 15% compared with the today’s long-range A330-300 variants.
In addition, Bregier said the new A330-300 variant will benefit from the latest A350 XWB and A380 technologies. These include cockpit functionalities such as dual head-up display and the latest navigational systems.
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