A330 receives ETOPS certification for beyond 180 minutes

European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved (13-Nov-2009) all Airbus A330 models for ETOPS (Extended-Range Operations for two-engined aircraft) "beyond 180 minutes". This award makes the A330 the first aircraft type to receive such approval, either from EASA or the FAA. The new capability will be available as a customer-selectable option which extends the diversion distance potentially up to 1,700 nm. [more]