Airbus announces lower weight A330 for regional & domestic operations

[flee 5]

25 SEPTEMBER 2013

Airbus has announced a new lower weight variant of its versatile A330-300 wide-body aircraft that is optimised for use on domestic and regional routes in high growth markets with large populations and concentrated traffic flows. China will be one of the most important markets for this new version of today’s world’s most efficient and reliable widebody aircraft.

The announcement was made by Fabrice Bregier, President and CEO of Airbus, at the Aviation Expo China (Beijing Airshow) 2013, which has opened its doors today in Beijing.

“The new lower weight A330-300 variant specially designed for regional and domestic use is Airbus’ solution for markets with large populations and fast growing, concentrated air traffic flows. Operators of the new A330-300 variant will benefit from a proven, mature and reliable aircraft that brings relief to limited airspace, airport congestion and pilot shortage,” said Fabrice Bregier. “We are announcing the new A330-300 lower weight variant today in China because here we see strong pent-up demand for efficient and reliable wide-body aircraft connecting mega cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangzhou.”

Compared to current A330-300 variants that are adapted to longer-range missions of up to 6,100 nautical miles (nm), the new A330-300 regional and domestic variant will be optimised to seat up to around 400 passengers in Airbus’ best in class 18 inches wide economy seat comfort on missions up to 3,000 nm and offer significant cost savings through a reduced operational weight of around 200 tonnes. The reduction in fuel burn per seat and maintenance costs thanks to these innovations will result in an overall cost reduction by up to 15% compared with the today’s long-range A330-300 variants.

In addition, the new A330-300 variant will benefit from the latest A350 XWB and A380 technologies. These include cockpit functionalities such as dual head-up display and the latest navigational systems. The cabin will also be future proofed with innovations such as modern slimline light-weight seats, high broadband wi-fi connectivity throughout, the newest In-Flight Entertainment allowing HD TV, LED lighting and full colour mood lighting.

Source: Airbus

[Mohd Suhaimi Fariz 2]

Compared to current A330-300 variants that are adapted to longer-range missions of up to 6,100 nautical miles (nm), the new A330-300 regional and domestic variant will be optimised to seat up to around 400 passengers in Airbus’ best in class 18 inches wide economy seat comfort on missions up to 3,000 nm

 

I wonder what the seat pitch would be in a 400 seat A330 Domestic?

[flee 5]

I would imagine it will be 31" or 32" single class 3-3-3 slimline seating.

AW report: http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/awx_09_25_2013_p0-620292.xml

[JingKai Seah 0]

wouldn't that be super uncomfortable? o.o?

[flee 5]

wouldn't that be super uncomfortable? o.o?

For short domestic or regional flights, they should be more comfortable than the A320 or B738 that Malaysian airlines are currently operating.

[Josh T 0]

I'm not particularly surprised by this decision from Airbus. The A350 will eventually replace the current A330-300s for long-haul operations. A reduced weight and higher density A330-300 will focus on the high density short to medium-haul routes that neither the A350 or the B787 could be used for.

[BC Tam 2]

..... they should be more comfortable than the A320 or B738 that Malaysian airlines are currently operating.

It doesn't take much to be 'more comfortable' than MH's B738s

I guess they are now the benchmarker (for the wrong reason) I suppose

[Sharil Abdul Rahman 0]

So the new 333Light will be the new 744D?

[leon t 0]

actually Air Asia X A333 are already fitted for abt 400 pax

[flee 5]

actually Air Asia X A333 are already fitted for abt 400 pax

D7's A333 has 12 premium and 365 economy seats - total 377.

 

Airbus Says A330 to Survive a Decade on Long-Haul Discount Sales: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-24/airbus-says-a330-to-survive-a-decade-on-long-haul-discount-sales.html

[JingKai Seah 0]

So the new 333Light will be the new 744D?

 

In that case.. A333 Domestic would suit Japan's domestic routes too.. because ANA and JAL both uses 744D for their high density city to city domestic runs in Japan

[flee 5]

Both ANA and JAL are already heavily invested in the B787.

[flee 5]

Rolls-Royce unveils Trent variant for regional A330

 

Airbus’s new regional version of the A330 will be powered by a reduced-thrust version of the Rolls-Royce Trent 700, to be branded the Trent 700 Regional.

Rolls-Royce says the powerplant will incorporate the new EP2 engine-performance package, which becomes available in 2015.

The manufacturer says the engine will feature a 1% efficiency improvement and will save operators $1 million annually compared with competing engines.

Airbus is developing the regional variant of the A330 for short-haul markets which do not need the maximum take-off weight capabilities or the standard thrust settings of the long-haul version.

Rolls-Royce confirmed the de-rated Trent 700 Regional engine during a symposium in China, which Airbus views as an important potential market for the twinjet.

“By providing the right amount of thrust at the right time, engine part life is extended and maintenance costs significantly reduced,” says Rolls-Royce.

Source: http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/rolls-royce-unveils-trent-variant-for-regional-a330-393505/

[flee 5]

New rendering from Airbus:

 

 

The lower-weight A330 Regional version – planned for certification in 2014 – is tailored for regional and domestic operations in high growth areas such as Asia and China

[JuliusWong 0]

Erm.....Doesn't look any different than the current one. Perhaps the difference is more in terms of operation.

 

"....seat up to around 400 passengers in Airbus’ best in class 18 inches wide economy seat comfort on missions up to 3,000 nm and offer significant cost savings through a reduced operational weight of around 200 tonnes. The reduction in fuel burn per seat and maintenance costs thanks to these innovations will result in an overall cost reduction by up to 15% compared with the today’s long-range A330-300 variants."

[Tom/PER 0]

Airlines will need to consider if/what resale these regional A330 down the track when fleet replacements occur.

 

Other regional aircraft such as the B744D have practically none and the current JL/NH wide bodied fleets arent exactly going to be highly sort after machines at the end of their careers with top tier airlines.

 

I would of thought a derated version of the A333 would of been a better option with the capability to up rate them should the need arise down the track.

 

I thought A330's had brake cooling issues on short turn arounds too.