Fly on and on with Rolls-Royce

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved the Airbus A330-900 for ETOPS (Extended-range Twin engine aircraft Operations) ‘beyond 180 minutes’ diversion time.

Airbus says “this significant achievement” means operators of the A330neo, which is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, will be able to make use of the most efficient, reliable and direct long-range routings.

The approval, which includes ETOPS 180min capability in the aircraft’s basic specification, now also includes the option for ‘ETOPS 285min’, extending the potential air diversion distance to around 2,000nmi.

Airbus says A330neo operators choosing the ETOPS 285min option will be able to serve new direct ‘non-limiting’ routings, while those on existing routes currently flown with up to 180min diversion time, will be able to traverse a straighter, quicker and more fuel efficient path.

The A330-900 is claimed to be the lowest seat-mile-cost 300-seater with the efficient Trent 7000 engines, a new 3D-optimised wing with greater span and lighter composite materials and new wingtip Sharklets.

Together, Airbus says, these advances bring greater range – around 7,200nmi with a three-class cabin – and 25% lower fuel consumption compared with older generation aircraft of similar size.

www.airbus.com

www.rolls-royce.com

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