Airbus A330neo Takes First Flight

Airbus A330neo Takes First Flight

Airbus A330neo Takes First Flight. The first Airbus A330neo took off from Toulouse on its maiden flight, starting the airborne test program for the re-engined twinjet.

The aircraft, a variant A330-900, took off at approximately 09:57 from the headquarters of the plane in Toulouse.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330-900 is the largest of the two members of the planned A330neo family. Airbus says three A330s will be used in the flight test program, two of 900 and one of 800, and type certification will be in mid-2018. The -900 has registered orders for 206 aircraft.

Its largest customers include AirAsia with commitments for 66, Iran Air for 28, Air Lease lessor with 27 and Delta Air Lines with 25.

Other customers include TAP Portugal, which will become the first receiver next year, as well as Garuda Indonesia, Arkia Airlines and the tenants BOC Aviation, CIT and Avolon. Hawaiian Airlines is taking the smaller A330-800.