A330neo: Powering into the next decade

Building on the proven economics, versatility and high reliability of the hugely popular A330, the A330-800neo and A330-900neo launched in July 2014 will reduce fuel consumption by a further 14% per seat compared with today’s A330, making them the most cost efficient, medium range widebody aircraft on the market. As well as delivering significant fuel savings for airlines and even quieter operation, the aircraft will also expand operators’ market opportunities with a range capability increase of around 400 nautical miles while carrying more payload. Moreover, the A330neo will not only match the cash operating costs per seat of its nearest competitor, the 787, but also surpass it on direct operating costs per seat, and do so while offering an inch greater seat-width comfort in economy class.
The A330neo incorporates latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines with a larger 112” diameter fan for a 10:1 bypass ratio, more seats and new cabin features. In addition, aerodynamic efficiency enhancements, including composite ‘A350 XWB inspired’ winglets and a wing span extension from 60.3m to 64m, will together confer increased lift and reduced drag. First deliveries of the newest A330 Family members are scheduled to start in Q4 2017.

Cabin evolution

 Through an innovative use of the cabin space, the A330-900neo will accommodate up to 10 additional seats (from 300 to 310), while the A330-800neo will seat up to six additional passengers (from 246 to 252) – and retain the same high comfort standard as today’s A330, with 18-inch wide seats in economy class. Moreover, all passengers will enjoy a 21st century on-board experience, including 4th-generation high-definition in-flight entertainment (IFE), full connectivity plus the same full-LED mood-lighting as in the A330’s big brother – the A350 XWB. The LED cabin lighting will be lighter and cheaper to maintain than traditional illumination while offering unlimited mood-lighting customisation scenarios.

 Cabin crew in the A330neo will benefit too with a cabin intercommunication data system (CIDS) upgrade, featuring a new flight attendant panel to control the mood lighting, water levels, temperatures and voice announcements. In addition, the galley insert developed for the A350 XWB will be available for the A330 and will include an espresso coffee maker, chillers, and ovens with baking functions. Pilots and cabin crew alike will also appreciate the new segregated lower-deck mobile crew-rest. This also frees-up more space on the main deck for extra passenger capacity.

 Operations and maintenance 
As well as having operational commonality with other members of the Airbus Family – including the same pilot type rating as the A330, common type rating with the A350 XWB and the same “Code-E” gate category as the A330-200 and -300 – the NEO will also retain 95% airframe spares commonality with A330 and inherit its marketing-leading reliability.

It will also offer five percent reduced airframe maintenance costs, thanks to further evolution in the already efficient A330 scheduled maintenance programme, now with fewer tasks, longer intervals between some checks, as well as a reduction in manhours over the typical 12-year maintenance cycle for new parts such as the engine pylons and some sections of the improved wing. Also helping to achieve the five percent reduction in maintenance costs is the new electrical bleed air system (EBAS) which replaces pneumatic controls with full electrical regulation – a technology which is already proven on the A380 and also features on the A350.

Overall the new A330neo builds on the A330 market leadership, in efficiency, versatility, reliability and profitability, and is the perfect choice for Airlines.