The Airbus A330 is a member of the A330/A340 family. The family includes two variants, which are the A330-300 and the A330-200, as well as the A340-2/3/5 & 600 aircraft.
The A330 has practically been made from components of both the A300 and the A320 aircraft. It is a medium to long range, wide bodied aircraft and is equipped with twin engines.
A330 Variants
The A330-300
First introduced in 1987 and made it's maiden flight in 1993. It was purchased by airline companies in an effort to reduce fuel expenses. At the time these airlines were flying DC-10's which used approximately 40% more fuel than the Airbus.
The A330-300 can carry up to 440 passengers in a single class configuration (less for two and three class).
There are some airline companies that use this aircraft for passengers throughout the day and for cargo at night.
The A330-200
Introduced in 1995 and made it's maiden flight in 1998. Variants of this particular aircraft were created for passenger, cargo and tanker purposes - Airbus A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport).
Up to 335 passengers can be flown in a two class configuration on this aircraft.
The A330-200 has been a very popular aircraft with strong sales worldwide since its introduction.
The A330's Main Customers
The following airline companies have purchased fifteen or more A330 aircraft -
Air China
Dragon Air
Air France
Etihad Airways
Cathay Pacific
Korean Air
China Airlines
Northwest Airlines
China Eastern Airlines
Qatar Airways
Dimensions of the A330
The dimensions and specifications of the A330 aircraft are as follows:-
Aircraft Length
59m - 63.5m or 193 -209 feet
Aircraft Height
16.9 -17.5m or 55 - 57 feet
Wingspan
60m or 198 feet
Cross Section
5.3m or 17 feet 6 inches
Passengers
250 - 335 people
Fuel
Up to 29,840 liters or 7,885 US gallons
Cruising Speed
871 km/h (.82 Mach)
Top Speed
915 km/h (.86 Mach)
Range
Up To 12,500 km or 6,750nm
A330 Airbus Seating
The seating arrangements in the Airbus A330 are:-
Business Class
The seating chart is in a 2 - 2 - 2 format.
Economy Class
The seating chart is in a 2 - 4 - 2 format.
Charter an A330
Ever wondered how to charter an aircraft?
We have at our disposal a large range of aircraft for chartering purposes. The Airbus A330 is ideal for International flights.
