The A330 is a twin-engined version of the
Airbus A340: it is roughly the European equivalent of the
Boeing 767. Airbus launched and developed the A330 and A340 at the same time, starting the program in
1987: both aircraft share the same fuselage and wing design, differing mainly in their engines. The A330 did not make its first flight until
1992, well after the A340's. It holds the distinction of being the first aircraft simultaneously certified by the
FAA and
JAA.
The first production A330-300 was delivered to France's Air Inter in 1994. In 1998, Airbus released the 200 variant, which is shorter and has a longer range than the original 300. Both models remain popular in airline service as more efficient alternatives to the A340, 767, and 777: major operators include Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Garuda Indonesia, Gulf Air, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Swiss, Thai Airways International, and US Airways.
Most A330's are seen on high-density trans-Atlantic and transcontinental routes.
Specifications
A330-300 A330-200
Length 208'1" (63,6m) 193'7" (59,0m)
Wingspan 197'10" (60,3m)
Seating (2-class) 335 293
Range 5,600 nm (10.400 km) 6,450 nm (11.950 km)
Airspeed Mach 0.86
Takeoff Weight 251 tons (230 mt)
Landing Weight 198 tons (180 mt) 203 tons (185 mt)