First 242 tonne take-off weight A330 successfully completes first flight

Key milestone for the latest evolution of the popular A330 Family

Paves the way for entry into service in 2015 with launch customer Delta Air Lines.

  Press Release

The first 242 tonne Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) variant of the A330 has successfully completed its maiden flight, landing back in Toulouse-Blagnac Airport following a 3 hours and 30 minutes flight.

Didier Evrard, Airbus Executive Vice President Head of Programmes said: "I congratulate the whole team in charge of the A330 242 tonnes weight variant for making this day happen ahead of schedule. We are on track to deliver this new higher weight variant in 2015 to launch customer Delta Air Lines, who will also be the launch customer for the A330neo."

The A330 242 tonne MTOW is the platform for the future A330neo and is concrete example of Airbus' incremental innovation strategy. The newest enhancement offers more capability at lower operating cost with a range extended by up to 500 nautical miles and up to two percent reduced fuel consumption while also benefiting from operational reliability of above 99 percent. The 242 tonne MTOW is capable of flying missions up to 15 hours.