Airbus A330neo Receives EASA ETOPS “Beyond 180 Minutes” Approval

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Airbus’ wide-body A330neo airliner received European Aviation Safety Agency approval in late January for ETOPS beyond-180 minutes diversion time. EASA’s approval also includes an option for ETOPS 285 minutes. (Photo courtesy of Airbus.)

Airbus announced in late January that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved its A330neo airliner for Extended-range Twin engine aircraft Operations (ETOPS) “beyond 180 minutes” diversion time. Airbus notes that in 2009, its A330-200/300 was the first airliner family to gain ETOPS “beyond 180min” certification. Since then, twin-engine Airbus airliners have amassed 20-million ETOPS flight hours, says Airbus, which expects FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) ETOPS approval soon for the A300neo.

“Non-Limiting” Routings

With this approval, operators can fly the A330neo beyond 180 minutes from a diversion airport. The approval also includes an option for ETOPS 285 minutes. “This extends the potential air diversion distance to around 2,000 nautical miles [3,704 kilometers),” states Airbus, which says operators choosing the ETOPS 285-minute option can serve new direct “non-limiting” routings. Further, operators flying existing routes (currently flown with up to 180-minute diversion time) can “traverse a straighter, quicker, and more fuel-efficient path” while gaining greater access to “en-route diversion airports if needed,” Airbus says.

Airbus offers two A330neo versions, including the 287-seat A330-900 (three-class configuration) and smaller 257-passenger A330-800. Both use Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, which Airbus says when combined with a new 3D-optimized wing and new wingtip “sharklets” gives the A330-900 greater range (roughly 7,200 nautical miles in a three-class configuration) and 25% lower fuel usage compared to older-generation, similarly sized aircraft.

Ready To Order?

Airbus says it has received 1,700 orders to date from 120 customers for the A330, making it “one of the most popular wide-body families ever.” The company says 1,400-plus A330s are in operation worldwide by 120-plus operators.

You’ll find a wide selection of new and used Airbus aircraft for sale every day on Controller.com, including ACJ319s, ACJ318s, A330s, and A340s, as well as H125 helicopters.

Source: Airbus

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