Aircraft
Airbus Continues To Stretch A330 Capabilities
While still in A330neo test phase, the OEM now offers a higher mtow, longer range variant
The first A330-800 rolls out of its paint shop in early February. (Photo: Airbus)
The first A330-800 rolls out of its paint shop in early February. (Photo: Airbus)

Airbus insists it is not discouraged by Hawaiian Airlines’s move to ditch its order for six A330-800s in favor of Boeing 787-9s, saying its aircraft—specifically the newly launched higher weight version—offers unbeatable benefits in terms of operational versatility, cabin comfort, range, and capital costs compared with the 787-9. The first and sole customer for the Toulouse-based OEM’s smallest version of the A330neo, Hawaiian placed the order shortly after the Farnborough Air Show in July 2014 and canceled it in late February, just days after the first A330-800—MSN1888—rolled out from its paint shop in France. Flight tests of the variant will start soon and Airbus expects certification next year.