29 January, 2019: The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified the Airbus A330-900 for ETOPS (Extended-range Twin engine aircraft Operations) ‘beyond 180 minutes’ diversion time.
The certification includes ETOPS 180min capability in the aircraft’s basic specification and now it also includes the option for ‘ETOPS 285min’. The operators of the A330neo will now benefit from the most efficient, reliable and direct long-range routings. It is powered with Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines.
The potential air diversion distance will also extend to around 2,000nm. The US FAA’s respective ETOPS certification will also be issued to A330neo soon.
The ETOPS 285min option will give the A330neo operators new direct ‘non-limiting’ routings. Meanwhile, operators who will be flying on existing routes (currently flown with up to 180 minute diversion time) will be able to traverse a straighter, quicker and more fuel efficient path. They will also have access to better equipped – en-route diversion airports if needed.
The Design and system maturity of A330neo has been demonstrated to be as good as its predecessors A330-200/-300 family.
The A330neo comprises of A330-900 and the smaller A330-800. It is the newest addition of the twin engine wide body along with A350 XWB. It has an exceptional efficiency level, long-range capability, comfort and unmatched space.
The A330-900 has the lowest seat-mile cost 300-seater which incorporates highly efficient Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines. It has a new 3D-optimised wing with greater span and lighter composite materials, plus new wingtip Sharklets. These technological advancements bring greater range (around 7,200nm with a three-class cabin) and 25 per cent lower fuel consumption when compared to the older generation aircrafts of the same size.
Having received over 1,700 orders to date from 120 customers, the A330 is one of the most popular wide body families ever. There are more than 1,400 A330s are flying with over 120 operators worldwide.