Airbus A330neo Tops Widebody Orders with 57 New Aircraft Since July
The Airbus A330neo has become the most ordered widebody aircraft in recent weeks, securing 57 firm orders and 60 additional options since the July Farnborough Airshow. With orders from four major customers, the re-engined A330 is seeing a resurgence, raising questions about its growing popularity in the competitive widebody market.
Growing Popularity of the A330neo
Historically, the A330neo has struggled to match the popularity of its predecessor, the A330ceo, or compete with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. While 51 airlines operated fleets of A330ceos, many of these carriers, including 21 operators, opted for the Dreamliner as a replacement for aging aircraft. However, recent months have seen a significant turnaround for the A330neo, which has now attracted 57 firm orders and 60 options from four airlines.
One notable order came from Flynas, which signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 15 A330neos alongside 75 A320neo aircraft. Cathay Pacific also placed a major order for 30 A330neo aircraft, with options for 30 more, to replace its aging A330ceos and Boeing 777s. This makes Cathay Pacific the second-largest A330neo operator, after Delta Air Lines.
Faster Deliveries Than Boeing 787 Dreamliner
The A330neo has become an attractive option for airlines looking to replace older A330s due to its faster availability. While the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has a backlog of 780 aircraft, production delays at Boeing have extended delivery times. In contrast, the A330neo’s smaller backlog of 200 aircraft allows airlines to receive new planes two years earlier than Dreamliners.
Despite its smaller production rate, the A330neo is versatile and 33% cheaper than the A350, making it a cost-effective alternative for airlines seeking widebody jets.
Purchase Cost
The purchase costs of the Airbus A330neo, A350, and Boeing 787 vary based on their capabilities, with the A350 being the most expensive, followed by the 787 and the A330neo.
- The A330-900neo, which is a modernized version of the A330, is priced around $296.4 million.
- The A350-900 is priced at about $317.4 million, and the larger A350-1000 costs around $366.5 million.
- The most commonly compared Boeing 787 models are the 787-9, priced around $292.5 million, and the larger 787-10 at $338.4 million.
The A330neo is the most affordable, the A350 is the most expensive with its longer range and advanced technology, while the Boeing 787 offers a middle ground in terms of pricing and performance, making it highly competitive.
Cost Savings Through Commonality
Another advantage of the A330neo is its commonality with other Airbus aircraft, including the A350 and A330ceo. This commonality allows airlines to save significantly on crew training and maintenance. A350 pilots need only a reduced type rating program to transition to the A330neo, and A330ceo pilots can qualify to fly the A330neo with just half a day of computer-based training. Cabin crew require no additional training.
Maintenance savings are also substantial, with airlines projected to save $6 million per aircraft in spare parts and service costs, further solidifying the A330neo’s appeal.
With 57 firm orders and 60 options secured, the Airbus A330neo is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Its faster delivery times, cost savings, and operational versatility have made it a strong competitor to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, positioning it as an attractive option for airlines looking to modernize their fleets.
Related news: https://airguide.info/?s=A330
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, airbus.com