A new milestone for Airbus took place in the last few hours: the European manufacturer delivered the 100th A330neo produced. The aircraft, an A330-900, will join the fleet of German airline Condor, which will lease it from its owner AerCap.
See also: Condor took delivery of its first Airbus A330neo
The Airbus A330neo
Airbus developed the A330neo (New Engine Option) as a replacement for the A330, introduced into commercial service in 1994. The manufacturer designed two variants: the A330-800 (based on the A330-200) and the A330-900 (based on the A330-300).
The first flight was completed in October 2017. A year later, TAP Air Portugal became its launch customer. The Lisbon-based company is currently one of the largest operators of the model, along with Delta Air Lines.
All aircraft are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, designed specifically for the A330neo. This powerplant, together with new winglets and other structural improvements, enables a reduction in fuel burn of around 14% compared to previous models. As a result, the A330neo generates lower carbon dioxide emissions and reduces operting costs.
Condor goes for the A330-900
Condor confirmed it would replace its classic Boeing 767-300ERs with A330-900 aircraft in 2021 and took delivery of the first airplane in December 2022. The airline expects to take delivery of up to sixteen aircraft by 2024 as part of its intercontinental fleet renewal plan.
The aircraft, which will sport the multi-coloured striped livery unveiled in April last year, will have an interior configuration of 310 seats divided into three classes: 30 seats in Business Class, 64 in Premium Economy and a further 216 in Economy.
See also: Condor made the first commercial flight with its Airbus A330neo
