Air Belgium takes delivery of its first A330neo. Photo: Airbus
Air Belgium takes delivery of its first A330neo
The Belgian scheduled and charter airline Air Belgium took delivery of its first new-generation widebody A330-900 on October 8 at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France. This is the first of two on-order aircraft (registration OO-ABG) the company going to receive this year.
What does the new widebody suggest?
Air Belgium's first A330-900 features 286 seats in a comfortable three-class layout with 30 lie-flat business class seats, 21 premium economy, and 235 economy seats. Also, it is furnished with an Airbus Airspace cabin, all the seats are equipped with the latest-generation in-flight entertainment system, connectivity such as WI-FI, and advanced full LED cabin lighting.
Among others new A330neo may boast of 66% larger overhead bins, air renewed every 2-3 minutes, and generally the quietest cabin in its size category.
Technically A330-900 incorporates highly efficient Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and a new expanded 64 meters wingspan with composite winglets optimized for better aerodynamic performance. Together, these latest technologies result in 25% lower operating costs and CO2 emissions per seat.
New airport and destination
According to the air company, the new A330-900 will be deployed on long-haul destination routes. The first commercial flight is scheduled for October 15 to Port Louis, Mauritius. On this route, it is planned to fly twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays from Brussels Airport.
Air Belgium operates an Airbus fleet comprising A330-200F and A340-300 aircraft and the company has the intention to replace A340s with a new generation A330neo.
The A330 is one of the most popular widebody families, having received over 1800 orders from 126 customers as of September 2021.
Sign in to comment