Industry EASA certifies A330neo for beyond 180 minutes ETOPS

Airbus has published, that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved the A330-900 for beyond 180 minutes ETOPS.

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A330-900neoEASA certifies A330neo for beyond 180 minutes ETOPS

This means, that operators of the A330neo will be able to perform direct long-range routings. ETOPS stands for Extended-range Twin-engine aircraft Operations and the beyond 180 minutes diversion time means, that airlines can fly routes on which the aircraft is more than 180 minutes away from the nearest diversion airport.

The EASA certification also includes the option for “ETOPS 285 minutes”. This extends the potential distance of air diversion to around 2,000 nautical miles, stated the manufacturer.

Regarding the new certification, Airbus explained: "A330neo operators which choose the ETOPS 285 minutes option will be able to serve new direct ‘non-limiting’ routings. Meanwhile, operators flying on existing routes (currently flown with up to 180-minute diversion time) will be able to traverse a straighter, quicker and more fuel-efficient path, and also have access to more – and possibly better equipped – en-route diversion airports if needed."

Airbus said, that it expects the respective ETOPS certification from the Federal Aviation Administration very soon.

This latest certification is yet another milestone in the manufacturer´s A330neo programme. It is a testimony to the maturity of all systems and the design. The family includes the A330-800 and the A330-900. Last year, TAP Air Portugal became launch customer of the aircraft. This week, the first A330neo for Air Senegal took to the skies.

All A330neos are being equipped with Rolls Royce Trent 7000 engines, which offer better reliability. They were designed to have a larger bypass-ratio, leading to a 25 per cent fuel consumption. In general, the A330neo aircraft feature new 3D-optimise wings and lighter composite materials. New wingtip sharklets lead to better aerodynamics.

To date, over 1,700 aircraft have been ordered from Airbus´ famous A330 Family. 120 airlines are currently using the aircraft worldwide. The A330-200/-300 series received its ETOPS beyond 180 minutes certification back in 2009.

Source © airbus.com

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