2018-11-07
Airbus carried out the first flight of its newly updated A330-800, hoping that the important development would boost the chances of this model, which failed to make breakthroughs in competing with newer types.
 
The new aircraft features a 257-seat body and new Rolls-Royce engines and is designed as a cheaper alternative to the new full-length aircraft such as the A350 and Boeing 787.
 
The largest and most successful model is expected to deliver the A330-900 to its first customer, TAP Portugal, later this month, but ownership of the model is concentrated in just a few airlines, while Airbus hopes to sell more for a return.
 
Both aircraft are known as the A300 Nuo.
The development of the two planes was delayed due to delays in engine deliveries from Rolls-Royce.
 
There was no buyer for the A330-800 until recently, after Hawaii Airways canceled an order. But last month Airbus announced it had received an order to buy eight Kuwait Airways.
 
But sources in the sector said the order was made at the expense of at least part of a Kuwaiti order to buy 10 of the most expensive A350s and that Airbus had agreed to the deal to support the launch of the A3300-800.
 
Airbus declined to comment on the deal.
Airbus says the A330 is more efficient than the 787, due to lower procurement and maintenance costs.
 
Boeing says its light 787 provides a rational for expenses to offset the high cost of purchase, adding that rising oil prices will boost it.