Airbus studies development of A330-500

Citation

(2001), "Airbus studies development of A330-500", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 73 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2001.12773aaf.003

Airbus studies development of A330-500

Airbus studies development of A330-500

Keywords: Airbus, Air transport

Airbus reports that it is currently studying a new version of the A330 to respond to airline demand in the 210-250 seat regional and long-range market. With a maximum take-off weight of 228 tonnes, the new airliner would be able to fly distances of up to 7,000nm/13,000km with 222 passengers in a standard three-class layout. Meeting the high standards set by Airbus's A330/A340 family in terms of passenger comfort and providing the multiple benefits associated with Airbus's flight operational commonality, the A330-500 would offer all-round improvements.

The company further reports that it has already received commitments and expressions of interest from a number of airlines keen to acquire an Airbus product offering in this category. With Airbus's 1999 global market forecast identifying a 20-year demand for 2,830 such aircraft, both International Lease Finance Corporation – Airbus's largest single customer – and CIT Aerospace have publicly expressed interest in the aircraft, with CIT signing a letter of intent to purchase the A330-500, subject to programme launch. While discussions with potential airline customers are ongoing, a programme launch decision could be made as early as this year (2001), for entry into service of the A330-500 by 2004.

A shortened fuselage version of the A330-200, with the same airframe, wing, engines, and type rating, the A330-500 would be equipped with the most modern fly-by-wire control system, providing the highest degree of commonality with the other members of the A330/A340 family as well as the four members of Airbus's A320 family. Positioned between the largest member of Airbus's single-aisle family and the smallest A330 in terms of capacity, and capable of flying 224 passengers and ten tonnes of cargo from Europe to the major US West Coast cities, or 343 passengers from Europe to exotic holiday destinations in Asia, Southern Africa and the Caribbean, the A330-500 would provide valuable continuity for operators keen to exploit fly-by-wire technology to the full. Indeed, airlines gain a significant amount of operational flexibility from implementing cross-crew qualification and mixed fleet flying across the full breadth of their Airbus fleets, with flight crews able to switch between the smallest single-aisle and the largest widebody with only minor amounts of additional training.

As well as providing what is believed to be the most versatile cargo holds available on any competing airliner in this category, the A330-500 will feature the passenger-preferred A330/A340 family cabin cross-section which ensures that all business travellers obtain an aisle or window seat, while economy class passengers are never more than one seat away from an aisle. Indeed, for passengers the A330/A340 family is the most popular in its class, with 89 per cent or more of business travellers preferring to fly in a cabin without a middle seat, according to three recent independent surveys by IATA, arnold + bolingbroke and MORI. In addition, new cabin features devised for the A340-500/600 programme will complement the already high quality comfort standards, providing an even more spacious, comfortable and appealing environment for passengers and crew. Other new design features introduced on A340-500/600 programme will also be extended to the A330-500, including LCD (liquid crystal display), flight-deck displays, fly-by-wire rudder actuation.

A variety of crew rest options are available for longer-range operations. These include a removable underfloor module for those airlines which only require such facilities over specific routes. Other options include an innovative crew rest compartment located in the bulk hold, which provides sleeping accommodation for up to 11 crew members, while, at the same time, maximising the available palletised cargo volume.