Airbus notified the industry that its first A330neo has started assembly in Toulouse. The first aircraft will be an A330-900. The next model will be an A330-800, which be shorter. The A330-800 and the A330-900 are 99% common and 95% common across the entire A330 fleet. The plan is to optimize costs and flexibility for operators. Airlines will also benefit from the Family’s market-leading reliability and reduced maintenance costs, says Airbus. Airbus claims 1,600 orders for the A330 family to date, and 1,250 aircraft flying with over 120 airlines.
Airbus provided these images from the FAL.
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The 252-seats A330-800neo seems close to the proposed MOM from Boeing. The 2-4-2 seating on the A330 is passenger-friendly, as people tend to travel in pairs.