AIRBUS INDUSTRIE will modify and refurbish two of its A330 test and development aircraft for commercial use by Cathay Pacific Airways.
The revamped aircraft will fulfil a recent Cathay Pacific order for two additional A330 twinjets. The carrier is already taking delivery of nine Rolls-Royce Trent 700-powered A330s, but needs more aircraft to release two Boeing 747-400s for use on its new Hong Kong-New York route.
To conform with Cathay Pacific's fleet, former test aircraft MSN 17 will be re-engine with Trent 700s, which will replace the aircraft's existing Pratt & Whitney PW4168s.
The second aircraft, MSN 12, is still fitted with Trent engines from the flight test and certification programme. Both aircraft will undergo structural audits and be completely rewired before entering service in late 1996 and March 1997, respectively.
Source: Flight International
