Air China’s first 242-ton Airbus A330-300 and 50th A330 makes its first flight

Airbus (Toulouse) has issued this statement concerning Air China‘s (Beijing) 50th Airbus A330 and also the first 242-ton A330-300:

The 50th A330 to be operated by Air China, which is also China’s first A330-300 with the increased 242 ton maximum take-off-weight (MTOW) capability, has successfully completed its first flight in Toulouse, France.

Displaying a special livery to celebrate the “50th A330 for Air China”, the aircraft will be delivered to the Chinese carrier in September.

Air China is the flag carrier of China, one of the world’s most dynamic aviation markets. Air China introduced its first A330 in 2006 and since then has become Air China’s benchmark widebody aircraft, supporting its tremendous growth both on domestic and international routes.

Air China operates a fleet of 169 Airbus aircraft, comprising 120 A320 Family and 49 A330 Family aircraft.

The A330 with the higher, 242 ton MTOW is the platform for the future A330neo, and is a concrete example of Airbus’ incremental innovation strategy. Thanks to latest engine improvements, and an aerodynamic package reducing aircraft drag, the A330 with 242 ton MTOW offers an extended range of up to 500 nautical miles and up to two percent reduced fuel consumption. The 242 ton A330 is capable of missions from 30 min to 15 hours.

Top Copyright Photo: Olivier Gregoire/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured Airbus A330-343 F-WWYC (msn 1658) will become B-5977 on delivery. The 242-ton airliner also carries a special “50th A330 for Air China” logo.

Air China aircraft slide show: 

Bottom Photo: Airbus/A. Tchaikovski.