French charter airline Corsair International has taken delivery of its first A330-900neo, on lease from Dublin-based lessor Avolon.
The delivery marks the first in a series to come, with a further four A330-900neos on order to be delivered, which will join Corsair’s all-A330 fleet.
The agreement with Avolon for the lease of five A330neos was announced in 2019. Before today’s delivery, Corsair boasted a fleet of four A330-300s and one A330-200.
Corsair’s latest A330neo will also be the first to feature an increased maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 251 tonnes, 10 tonnes more than previous.
This increased MTOW will allow the aircraft to carry more fuel reserves, and ultimately brings the aircraft’s maximum range up to 13,400 kilometres, or 7,200 nautical miles.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved the provision for the jet’s increased take-off weight variant of the A330-900neo in October 2020.
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo offers 352 seats in a three-class layout, and full Wi-Fi connectivity for passengers, while providing Corsair with the latest in cost-effectiveness and eco-efficiency.
Airbus labels the A330neo as a “new-generation aircraft” and is the successor to the hugely popular A330ceo (current engine option) widebody family.
“As well as the new engine option, the aircraft benefits from a host of innovations, including aerodynamic improvements and new wings and winglets that together contribute to 25 per cent fuel-burn and CO2 reductions,” Airbus said.
