Airbus has tentatively narrowed the A330-800 first flight window to the week beginning 5 November.
The airframer has been conducting ground and engine tests on the initial flight-test aircraft, the smaller of the two A330neo variants.
FlightGlobal understands that the airframer is looking to carry out the maiden flight next week, although this would naturally be subject to weather conditions.
The aircraft, MSN1888, was recently rolled out with its Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 powerplants fitted.
Once it embarks on its certification campaign the aircraft is likely to be conduct some 300h of flight tests.
Airbus has yet to list any firm orders for the 257-seat A330-800 in its backlog, although it has recently secured a commitment from Kuwait Airways for eight of the type.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
