First Heavyweight A330 Takes Flight | Aviation International News

First Heavyweight A330 Takes Flight

Delivery scheduled for second quarter to Delta Air Lines

The first A330 designed for a 242-metric-ton maximum takeoff weight takes off from Toulouse on January 12. (Photo: Airbus)

By Gregory Polek • Senior Editor

January 12, 2015

The first Airbus A330-300 designed for a 242-metric-ton maximum takeoff weight has completed its maiden flight, landing at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport following a 3-hour-and-30-minute mission, the European airframer announced Monday. Launched in November 2012, the program introduces drag-reducing aerodynamic changes and engine improvements that, together, extend the A330’s range by 500 nautical miles and cut fuel consumption by up to 2 percent. With the improvements, the A330-300 could fly missions of up to 13 hours in duration, while the reach of the smaller A330-200 would extend to 15 hours.

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