European safety authorities have cleared the Airbus A330 for beyond-180min extended twin-engined operations (ETOPS), enabling the aircraft to fly with a maximum single-engine diversion time of 240min.
Airbus says the A330 is the first aircraft formally to secure the approval from regulators either in Europe or the USA.
It says customers will be able to select the capability as an option, and estimates that it could provide an additional 1,700nm (3,150km) in diversion distance, allowing carriers to serve routes more efficiently.
A330s have previously been approved for ETOPS up to 180min but Airbus says the change has been made possible by "proven reliability and robust systems of the aircraft and its engines".
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
