Airbus offers longer-range A330 with increased payload

Airbus announced (09-Jul-2012) it will offer an enhanced version of the A330 by increasing the maximum takeoff weight capability to 240 metric tonnes. This higher weight capability will be first applied to the larger A330-300 model and subsequently to the A330-200 and A330-200F. Aerodynamic refinements and engine enhancements will also be introduced. Entry into service of the 240 tonne A330-300 is aimed for mid-2015. Performance improvements include:

• A330-300: Weight increased from 235 to 240 tonnes. Up to 400nm extra range (to 5950nm) with 300 passengers and nearly five tonnes more payload;
• A330-200: Weight increase from 238 to 240 tonnes. Up to 270nm extra range (to 7050nm) with 246 passengers and over 2.5 tonnes more payload. [more - original PR]