Explore the First Flight of the First Airbus A330-800

Photo: S. Ramadier / Airbus

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The first A330-800 development aircraft to fly, also the second member of the A330neo family and market’s newest-generation 250-seat aircraft, has successfully completed its first flight which lasted four hours and four minutes.

  • The new entry-level widebody aircraft in the Airbus Family is powered by the latest technology Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 turbofans.
  • Airbus reported that the A330-800’s development programme will include around 300 flight-test hours, paving the way for certification in 2019.
  • Kuwait Airways, which placed an order for eight A330-800s. will be the first carrier to operate the latest A330 variant.

A330neo in Two Versions: A330-800 and A330-900

  • The A330neo comprises two versions: the A330-800 and A330-900. The first A330-900 performed its maiden flight 19 October, 2017. Recently it has completed its development testing and certification program.
  • The A330-800 is 58.82 m long and is 5 m shorter than the A330-900. The A330-800 offers a range of 7,500 nm compared to 6.550 nm for the A330-900.
  • The larger A330-900 will accommodate up to 287 seats in a typical three-class layout, while the A330-800 typically will seat 257 passengers in three classes.