The Airbus A330-900 has received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval to fly further than 180 minutes from a diversion airport, giving operators additional flexibility.
The decision to award the A330neo “beyond 180 minutes” Extended-range Twin-engine aircraft Operations (ETOPS) approval is expected to mirrored soon by the Us Federal Aviation Administration.
Airbus said the ruling meant t operators of the A330neo will benefit from the most efficient, reliable and direct long-range routings.
“The approval, which includes ETOPS 180min capability in the aircraft’s basic specification, now also includes the option for ‘ETOPS 285min’,’’ it said.
“This extends the potential air diversion distance to around 2,000 nautical miles nm (3700km).”
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The manufacturer said A330neo operators which chose the ETOPS 285min option would be able to serve new direct ‘non-limiting’ routings.
“Meanwhile, operators flying on existing routes (currently flown with up to 180 minute diversion time) will be able to traverse a straighter, quicker and more fuel-efficient path, and also have access to more – and possibly better equipped – en-route diversion airports if needed,’’ it added.
The A330neo is powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 and features a 3D-optimised wing which has a greater span and is made from lighter composite materials as well as new wingtip “sharklets”.
Airbus says the advances give the plane a range of around 7,200nm (13,334kms) with a three-class cabin as well as a 25 percent cut in fuel consumption compared to older aircraft of a similar size.
Most orders are for the bigger A330-900 and launch customer TAP Air Portugal operated the first service using the jet in December.
While the A330-900 accommodates up to 287 seats in a typical three-class layout, there is also a smaller version that typically seats 257 passengers in three classes.
The A330-800 has proved less popular than its big sister and its initial launch customer, Hawaiian Airlines, canceled its order in favor of the Boeing 787.
An order for eight planes from Kuwait Airlines in October gave the aircraft a home and European certification is expected mid-year.
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