Airbus A330 Specifications & Booking

The Airbus A330 originated from Airbus in Germany with production of the Airbus A330 starting in 1992. It is used in various roles including passenger services and freight. It continues to set industry benchmarks with its cutting-edge features and superior performance.

Overview of the Airbus A330

The Airbus A330 is a commercial airliner manufactured by Airbus, a European aerospace company. As a twin-engine wide-body jet, it was designed for medium-to-long haul flights and is primarily used for passenger transportation. The A330's first flight took place on April 8, 1994, and it received certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in November 2007. One notable milestone in its development was the introduction of the A330-900neo variant, which features more efficient engines and improved aerodynamics.

Technical Specifications

The Airbus A330 has the following technical specifications:

• Dimensions:
  • Length: 58.66 meters (192 feet 6 inches)
  • Wingspan: 60.3 meters (198 feet 10 inches)
  • Height: 16.83 meters (55 feet 2 inches)
• Weight:
  • Empty weight: approximately 121,000 kg (266,000 pounds)
  • Maximum takeoff weight: up to 242,000 kg (533,000 pounds)
• Engines:
  • Type: Rolls-Royce Trent or General Electric CF6/CF30
  • Thrust: up to 64,800 N (14,600 lbf) per engine
  • Fuel efficiency: up to 20% more efficient than previous A330 models
• Performance:
  • Maximum speed: Mach 0.82 (647 mph or 1,041 km/h)
  • Range: up to 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles)
  • Cruising altitude: typically above 30,000 feet (9,100 meters)
• Capacity:
  • Passengers: typically between 250 and 400
  • Cargo: up to 43,000 kg (95,000 pounds) or more depending on configuration
  • Crew: typically two pilots and a flight attendant

Design and Features

The Airbus A330 is renowned for its advanced aerodynamics, which provide improved fuel efficiency and reduced noise levels. Its fuselage design features a distinctive curved shape, while the winglets on the A330-900neo variant improve lift and reduce drag. The aircraft also boasts innovative cabin designs, including larger windows and more spacious cabins.

History and Development

The Airbus A330 was developed in the 1980s and 1990s as a response to the growing demand for medium-range commercial airliners. Key milestones include:

• First flight: April 8, 1994
• Certification: November 2007 (EASA)
• Entry into service: 1996 (Airbus A330-300 variant)
• Signed orders and deliveries: over 1,400 aircraft as of 2022

Operational Use

The Airbus A330 is widely used by commercial airlines for a variety of routes and missions. Some notable operators include:

• Airlines: AirAsia, American Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Singapore Airlines, and many others
• Popular routes: transcontinental flights within North America, intra-European flights, and long-haul flights between Asia and Europe/Australia
• Military operations: the A330 has been used for humanitarian missions, search and rescue operations, and military transport

Interesting Facts

Here are three interesting facts about the Airbus A330:

• The A330 was the first commercial airliner to feature a fly-by-wire flight control system.
• The aircraft has been used for several record-breaking flights, including a 2003 non-stop flight from Singapore to San Francisco.
• The A330 has appeared in various forms of media, such as films (e.g., "The Lost City" with Tom Hanks) and video games (e.g., "Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020").

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Airbus A330 unique?

The Airbus A330's unique features include its advanced aerodynamics, fly-by-wire flight control system, and spacious cabins. Its ability to operate on short or long-range flights with varying payloads also sets it apart from other aircraft.

How much does the Airbus A330 cost?

The price of an Airbus A330 depends on factors such as configuration, customization, and age. As of 2022, the estimated list price for a new A330-900neo starts at around $290 million. Used aircraft prices vary greatly depending on their condition and operational history.

What is the range of the Airbus A330?

The maximum range of an Airbus A330 depends on its configuration and payload. The A330-300 has a maximum range of approximately 13,430 kilometers (8,350 miles), while the A330-900neo can fly up to 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles). These ranges make it suitable for both short-haul and long-haul flights.

How many Airbus A330s have been sold?

As of 2022, over 1,400 Airbus A330 aircraft have been ordered by more than 125 customers worldwide. This makes the A330 one of the most successful commercial airliners in history.