Airbus insists the A330-800 still has prospects despite cancellation of the only order for the type, following Hawaiian Airlines' decision to introduce Boeing 787-9s.
Hawaiian had six A330-800s on order but was the sole remaining customer following a previous cancellation of four -800s destined for TransAsia Airways before its collapse.
Airbus says the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000-powered aircraft is "excellent" but claims it was "simply undercut in price" from its competitor.
"You win some and you lose some," says a spokesman for the company, stressing that Hawaiian is still a "valued Airbus customer".
Airbus says the -800 test aircraft is "on track" for first flight in mid-2018 and points out that some 100 carrier operate the A330-200, its predecessor.
It says the A330neo has a "strong outlook", adding: "There are many campaigns ongoing and there are many good candidates for A330neos going forward."
The -800, it adds, has "compelling credentials", including greater range than the 787-9.
Airbus designed the -800 simultaneously with the -900 – the better-selling of the two, with 214 orders – and it says that little investment in development is needed to take the -800 to certification.
"Both the A330-800 and -900 share the same final assembly line stations, tools and equipment, which allows for full flexibility according to market demand," it adds.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
