The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved the increase in the maximum take-off weight (MTOW) on the Airbus A330-900neo. Before the weight was a maximum of 242 tons and now it is 251 tons.
The increase will generate better range and fuel economy for the aircraft and its operators. “With the new 251-tonne weight variant, the A330neo is more flexible than ever to meet current and future needs,” said the chief engineer of the A330, François Kubica.
With 251 tons of MTOW, the aircraft can fly 13330 km, even with 440 engers on board, as in the configuration of Air Asia X, the airline that launched this aircraft.
EASA's permission was made possible after Airbus worked to strengthen the A330neo's landing gear structure. Modifications were made to the front and main landing gear, which will generate a greater cycle for these aircraft. A heavy and complete check was previously expected in 10 years, and today it has become 12 years.
With 50 aircraft already delivered, Airbus will deliver the first modified aircraft to Corsair in . In all, the manufacturer has more than 300 orders for the -900neo version alone. Airbus reinforces by saying that the A330 family is ideal for long-haul intercontinental flights.
“With this new A330-900 offering, operators will have the range and capacity needed to capitalize on longer routes while rationalizing their fleets. The new MTOW option makes the A330-900 the perfect fit for longer transpacific or Asia-Europe routes.”, said Airbus.
Airbus also said that the A330neo, compared to the previous generation, is 25% more efficient in of CO2 emissions. That's thanks to the modifications made to the plane's new wings and larger, more economical engines.
