Airbus rolled out a new A330-800 of the paint shop, the company announced on February 5, 2018, adding that the model is “on track” for its maiden flight, planned for mid-2018.

The A330-800 is a 250 seater twin-aisle jet aimed to leverage the old A330-200 by offering new-generation economics. The base variant of A330-8100 is configured for 242-tonne Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) and routes of up to 7,500nm, while the recently launched 251-tonne MTOW variant makes the aircraft suitable for ultra-long-range routes of up to 8,150nm.

The model shares 99% commonality with Airbus’ larger 300-seat A330-900. Both models have the same airframe, are equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and new wings with curved wingtip Sharklets that are used to extend the wingspan to 64 meters. Both models also have cross-crew training, zero-splice nacelles, titanium pylons and Airspace cabins in common.

“Airlines will benefit from 25 percent less fuel burn per seat compared to previous-generation competitors, reduced maintenance costs and the A330’s market-leading 99.5 percent operational reliability,” the company announces in a statement. “Passengers will enjoy the award-winning all new Airspace cabin inspired by the A350 XWB. On top of latest generation in-flight entertainment and connectivity, passengers can look forward to a new welcoming entrance area, spacious overhead bins, mood lighting and exceptionally quiet flights”.