The first A330-800 development aircraft to fly, MSN1888, has landed at Toulouse-Blagnac, France at 2:35pm local time after successfully completing its first flight, which lasted four hours and four minutes.

The aircraft, the second member of the A330neo family, is powered by the latest technology Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 turbofans.

Guillaume Faury, President Airbus Commercial Aircraft, said: “Today’s first flight of the A330-800 is the latest addition to our efficient widebody family. The A330-800 is an exceptionally versatile ‘route-opener’, offering unbeatable economics for airlines – encompassing everything from short to very-long haul widebody missions. We look forward to the successful flight-test campaign, leading to certification next year.”

Towards 2019

The A330-800’s development programme will include around 300 flight-test hours, paving the way for certification in 2019.

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