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Airbus has started production of the A330neo with the machining of the first engine pylon at its factory in Toulose and the first centre wing box in Nantes, France.
The pylon produced in Saint-Eloi is also a key improvement to the A330neo’s design, and attaches the Trent 7000 engines to the wings. The pylon is manufactured from light weight titanium, and adopts aerodynamics, materials and design from the A350 XWB. The A330neo pylon is also fitted with a new A350 XWB “inspired” fairing made from composite materials and titanium to optimise aerodynamics.
The first A330neo centre wing box rib 1 produced in Nantes uses an Isogrid design with 330 triangular pockets in an effort to increase rigidity, strength while reducing weight.
First deliveries of the new aircraft are scheduled to start in at the end of 2017. According to Airbus, the aircraft consumes 14% less fuel than other medium range widebody aircraft on the market. It has a range increase of up to 400 nautical miles compared to the A330.
The re-engined A330 will compete in the 250-seat segment against the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Airbus said that it expected to sell a total of 1,000 A330neo aircraft.
The Trent 7000 engine will have a larger 112 inch diameter fan, for a 10:1 bypass ratio. A new composite winglet will increase wing span extension from 60.3 metres to 64 metres. Together, these design changes will bring increased lift and reduced drag to enable the greater fuel efficiency, said Airbus.
Tom Enders, chief executive at Airbus, said: “Our decision to re-engine the plane will keep the A330 flying high for many more years to come."
The A330neo will have 95% commonality with the existing A330. Cockpit systems will be further optimised to offer up to ten additional 18 inch wide seats. Passengers will benefit from fourth generation In Flight Entertainment (3D films), mood-lighting and full connectivity, said Airbus.
Development costs for the A330neo are expected to be in the region of 1-2 billion euros.