Airbus has completed the first flight of A330 with the new 242t maximum take-off-weight (MTOW) capability.
After a three-and-half hour flight, the A330 landed at the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, France.
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Airbus executive vice-president programmes head Didier Evrard said: "We are on track to deliver this new higher weight variant in 2015 to launch customer Delta Air Lines, who will also be the launch customer for the A330neo."
The A330 242t MTOW variant is said to be the basis for the future A330neo, according to Airbus.
The aircraft is claimed to offer extended range of up to 500nm and 2% in fuel efficiency, as well as more capability at lower operating cost.
The 242t A330-300 and A330-200 are designed to fly up to 13 and 15 hours respectively. The aircraft features an aerodynamic package, which reduces drag, as well as the latest engine improvements.
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By GlobalDataAirbus A330 programme head Patrick Piedrafita earlier said: "Airlines operating the new 242t A330 will be able to carry additional payload on longer routes, while at the same time enjoying a very high operational reliability of 99.4%."
As of November 2014, the A330 family airliners have logged more than 1,300 orders from around 100 operators, and are available in freighter, VIP and military transport / tanker variants.
Image: The A330 242t MTOW takes three-and-half hour first flight. Photo: courtesy of Doumenjou Alexandre / Airbus SAS.
