A330neo makes China debut with demo tour

​An A330neo aircraft sits on the apron. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

Airbus initiated a five-day demonstration tour of its A330neo aircraft in China on Nov 11, marking the first time the model has been showcased in the country.

The A330-900, which began its tour in Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, will next be displayed at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, and Beijing Capital International Airport between Nov 11 and 15.

During the Chengdu-Beijing leg, the aircraft will operate on a 30 percent blend of sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, through a mass balance approach.

The aircraft, newly delivered to Hainan Airlines, features 301 seats, including 24 in business class and 277 in economy.

Notably, the economy class seats are domestically produced by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, marking the first time Chinese-made seats have been selected for a mainstream international wide-body aircraft.

The cabin also features Hainan Airlines' "Dream Feather" interior, designed to create a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere through its color palette, lighting, and materials.

​The A330-900 aircraft features 301 seats and Hainan Airlines' "Dream Feather" cabin. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

Xu Gang, executive vice-president of Airbus and CEO of Airbus China, expressed his hope that the A330neo tour will highlight the aircraft's innovations for Chinese customers.

He added that the A330neo is set to replace the A330ceo, supporting Chinese airlines' fleet renewal and expansion plans.

The Airbus A330 family has a long history in China. Since China Southern Airlines introduced the first A330-200 in 2005, the A330 has become the most numerous wide-body aircraft in the nation, known for its flexibility, reliability, and versatility.

By the end of September 2024, Chinese airlines operated 197 A330 aircraft, representing 42 percent of the country's wide-body fleet. Airbus projects that China will need approximately 1,540 new wide-body aircraft over the next 20 years.

Designed as an upgrade to the A330ceo, the A330neo offers seamless integration into existing fleets, reflecting Airbus's emphasis on aircraft commonality. It is suited for domestic trunk routes, regional services, and long-haul intercontinental flights.

Certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency to operate at airports with an altitude of 12,500 feet (approximately 3,810 meters), the A330neo could potentially serve high-altitude airports such as those in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang autonomous region.