Airbus Group reports more details on new A330neo

Airbus released (14-Jul-2014) additional information on the A330neo:

• Family: Two aircraft family, comprising A330-800neo and A330-900neo. A330-900neo to accommodate up to 10 additional seats (from 300 to 310), while the A330-800neo will add six seats (from 246 to 252);
• Fuel efficiency: Reduction in fuel consumption by 14% compared with the current A330. 10% from Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine, remainder from aerodynamic enhancements and increased capacity;
• Range: Increase in range by up to 400 nm;
• Operating costs: Airbus claims the A330neo "will not only match the cash operating costs per seat of its nearest competitor, the 787, but also surpass it on direct operating costs per seat";
• Engine: New Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines with a larger 112" diameter fan for a 10:1 bypass ratio;
• Aerodynamics: Wing span expansion from 60.3m to 64m, including the addition of composite 'A350 XWB inspired' winglets. Introduction of new engine pylons with improved aerodynamics;
• Cabin: 18-inch wide seats in economy class, fourth-generation high-definition in-flight entertainment (IFE), full connectivity plus the full-LED mood-lighting as technology adapted from the A350 XWB.
• Cabin crew facilities: Cabin intercommunication data system (CIDS) upgrade, featuring a new flight attendant panel to control the mood lighting, water levels, temperatures and voice announcements. Galley insert developed for the A350 XWB will be available for the A330. New segregated lower-deck mobile crew-rest (also freeing space on the main deck for extra passenger capacity)
• Operational commonality: Operational commonality with other members of the Airbus family - including the same pilot type rating as the A330, common type rating with the A350 XWB and the same "Code-E" gate category as the A330-200/-300.
• Airframe commonality: 95% airframe spares commonality with A330.
• MRO: A330neo to offer 5% reduced airframe maintenance costs, fewer maintenance tasks, longer intervals between some checks, as well as a reduction in manhours over the typical 12-year maintenance cycle. New electrical bleed air system (EBAS) which replaces pneumatic controls with full electrical regulation, also projected to reduce MRO costs;
• Entry into service: First deliveries scheduled to start in 4Q2017. [more - original PR - I] [more - original PR - II] [more - original PR - III] [more - CAPA Analysis]