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Photo: The first A330neo for launch operator TAP Air Portugal has conducted its maiden flight. (Photo Airbus)

The first Airbus A330neo for launch customer TAP Air Portugal conducted its maiden flight on May 15. The jet, F-WWKM (c/n 1819, tbr CS-TUA), was airborne from Toulouse for 4hrs 32mins. It is the first aircraft fitted with the Airspace cabin by Airbus and will be used to validate cabin systems and installations such as air conditioning and the crew rest areas. It is equipped with a small quantity of flight test instrumentation. Airbus already has two A330neo prototypes engaged in the type’s certification process.

The Airspace cabin concept includes overhead bins with an updated design which Airbus claims improves carry-on stowage capacity by approximately 66%; illumination using light-emitting diode (LED) technology; along with upgrades to such cabin items as magazine racks, ventilation grilles and window bezels.

TAP has ordered ten A330neos and will operate a similar number on lease.

Current Issue

February 2019In the February edition of Airliner World we travel to Larnaca in Cyprus to join the final commercial flight for the British Airways Boeing 767 fleet. The widebody has been a workhorse of the British flag carrier for decades, with a fascinating history spanning far-flung royal charters to more modest domestic operations. As we close one chapter of modern aviation, another begins as we visit Airbus headquarters in Toulouse to find out more about their A330neo project. We speak to key players involved in the project and determine what the future holds for the crowded - but highly lucrative - mid-market sector.
Don’t miss our exclusive interview with Gulf Air CEO Krešimir Ku&#269;ko, as the Bahraini national airline transforms not only its fleet but its wider strategy as it adopts a new boutique concept. Continuing our globetrotting this month, we profile Osaka’s Itami Airport, which is carving a niche as the city’s premier domestic gateway and visit Canada’s Northwest Territories to learn more about the classic ‘piston-pounders’ of Buffalo Airways. As part of our ongoing historical insights, we remember the Lockheed Electra L-188, an elegant, four-engine turboprop which raised the bar for performance, range and luxury until critical design flaws destroyed public confidence and forced the programme to a premature close.
Finally, we bring you our comprehensive coverage of worldwide news, including a full report from the Bahrain International Airshow, plus Cathay Pacific roster their A350-1000 to Manchester, ANA receive their first superjumbo, a first look at WestJet’s new Dreamliner, and Air Astana unveil their Embraer E2 in a striking snow leopard livery. We also have our regular sections covering the latest commercial aircraft acquisitions, up-to-date accident reports and developments from the world of aviation training and MROs and we give you the chance to win aviation DVDs worth over £200 in our reader competition.