Scandinavian Airlines

Airbus has delivered one A330-200 widebody aircraft and a new A330-300 242t maximum take-off weight (MTOW) variant aircraft to Scandinavian Airlines.

The A330 is powered by a Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engine, and is the 50th aircraft Airbus has delivered to China Eastern Airlines.

The aeroplane has a two-class cabin seating layout with 30 passengers in business class and 203 in economy.

China Eastern Airlines general manager Ma Xulun said: "We are very happy to take delivery of this 50th A330.

"It symbolically represents our 30 years of partnership with Airbus.

"With high-efficiency, high-economic performance and unrivalled comfort, the A330 gives our passengers an unrivalled flying experience.

"The A330 has been key to our expansion and competiveness in international markets. We are looking forward to many more passengers to fly Airbus aircraft while enjoying the best service from China Eastern."

Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Brégier said: "With a fleet of that has grown to 50 A330s over nine years, China Eastern is demonstrating its continued confidence in the superior performance and comfort of the A330.

"We are confident that with one of the world’s largest A330 fleets, China Eastern will strengthen its position as one of Asia’s leading international carriers and continue to offer its passengers the best flying experience."

China Eastern started operating A330s in 2003. Currently, the company has a fleet of around 230 single-aisle A320 family aircraft in its possession, and a total fleet of 280 Airbus planes.

"SAS’s passengers will be able to experience the best-in-class cabin comfort that only Airbus offers."

Airbus has received more than 1,500 orders for its most popular, low-cost and profitable A330 and delivered in excess of 1,200 aircraft to 110 operators worldwide.

The widebody A330 family of aircraft was launched by the company in 2012, to feature a new aerodynamic package, engine improvements and an optional centre fuel tank.

The improvements are claimed to offer an extended range of up to 6,100nm, as well as consuming 2% less fuel.

Scandinavian Airlines currently operates a fleet of 25 A320 aircraft, four A330-300s, and eight A340s.

Airbus Africa, Europe and Asia Pacific executive vice-president Christopher Buckley said: "As first European operator of the 242t A330-300, we look forward to seeing SAS enjoy the additional benefits delivered by this innovative aircraft.

"The A330s higher take-off weight allows the airline to fly new Asian routes, with an operational reliability of well over 99%. SAS’s passengers will be able to experience the best-in-class cabin comfort that only Airbus offers."

Image: An Airbus A330-300 for Scandinavian Airlines. Photo: © Airbus SAS 2015.