Farnborough: European plane maker Airbus on Monday launched the eagerly awaited upgrade to its long-haul wide-body A330 jet -- the A330neo, which boasts more fuel-efficient engines.
The news was unveiled on the first day of the Farnborough Airshow, a key biennial event in the aviation sector calendar held southwest of London which normally sees Airbus battle with rival US giant Boeing for plane orders.
The aircraft will be available in two versions, the A330-800neo and the A330-900neo, and will be powered by Rolls-Royce engines, Airbus said in a statement, adding it will be "the most cost efficient, medium range wide-body aircraft on the market". It added: "Airbus has launched the A330-800neo and A330-900neo, two new members of its widebody family, which will incorporate latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features."
Airbus Group, which was formerly known as EADS, said the new A330neo would cut fuel consumption by 14 per cent per seat, and that deliveries will start in the fourth quarter of 2017. "The A330 is a very important margin contributor for our group. It's also one of the most reliable and efficient commercial aircraft ever. Customers love it," said Airbus chief executive Tom Enders.
"With our decision to re-engine the plane, we will keep the A330 flying high for many more years to come."
