Airbus could be poised to launch two versions of a re-engined A330 as early as tomorrow, as tantalising evidence mounts that the airframer will substantially modernise its twin-jet workhorse to take on the Boeing 787.
While the airframer declines to comment on its intentions for the Farnborough air show, it has reserved a prime position at the event for a significant commercial disclosure early on 14 July – coinciding with the prominent French celebration of Bastille Day.
Internet domain-registration activity already points to a concerted behind-the-scenes effort to protect particular names. These notably include ‘A330-800neo’ and ‘A330-900neo’, which were reserved by brand specialist CSC alongside a broad span of top-level ‘A330neo’ domains on 7 July.
Airbus has not said whether it is behind the recent name reservations, which include French and European domains, although the airframer already owns the equivalent domains associated with its re-engined A320neo.
AirAsia is among carriers that have pressed for Airbus to develop a re-engined A330 while lessor Air Lease has expressed interest in becoming a launch customer. While the manufacturer would be keen to take advantage of the Farnborough showcase, it would be aware of the publicity risk of unveiling an A330neo programme without a customer commitment.
Rolls-Royce is already the primary engine supplier to the A330 with the 72,000lb Trent 700 and, given the trend towards sole-source powerplants and the diminishing opportunity on the A350-800, would be in a prime position to offer exclusively a version of its 74,000lb Trent 1000 engine.
The aircraft is also likely to feature refinements derived from the A350 programme, including revised wing-tips, while strategies used for the A320neo cabin would be applied to increase accommodation slightly on the A330neo.
One source familiar with the specification of the proposed aircraft indicates that Airbus would aim to retain high commonality in order to achieve a 2018 entry into service. The A320neo is designed to be 95% common with the A320,
Emergence of an A330neo would essentially render the 276-seat A350-800 unnecessary, although Airbus has yet to clarify its plans for the type. Just five customers – Aeroflot, Asiana, Hawaiian Airlines, Yemenia and lessor AWAS – remain for the A350-800, covering orders for 34 aircraft.
All five are customers of the current A330 but it is unclear whether Airbus has proposed the A330neo as an alternative to their A350-800 orders.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
