A330-900neo

Airbus has selected Korean Air Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD) to supply Sharklet wingtip devices, including a wingspan extension for the new A330neo airliners.

The composite wingtip devices will be produced by KAL-ASD at its facility in Busan, South Korea, and transported to A330 family final assembly line in Toulouse, France.

With the new devices, the wingspan of the A330neo will increase to 64m from the current A330ceo’s wingspan of 60.3m, to offer increased lift with reduced drag.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo is the new variant of the A330 wide-body aircraft.

The aircraft’s wingtip devices, aerodynamic enhancements and cabin features together are claimed to offer airlines with 14% in fuel efficiency, compared to A330ceo aircraft.

In addition, the A330neo will have additional range of up to 400nm. The first aircraft is planned to be delivered to customers in Q4 2017.

A long-term industrial partner of Airbus, KAL-ASD supplies components for various Airbus programmes, including Sharklets for A320, fuselage skin panels and floor assemblies for A330 and the composite cargo doors for the A350 XWB aircraft.

With more than 1,500 orders to date, the A330 family has been selected by over 100 operators worldwide. It is part of Airbus wide-body product line, which includes the larger A350 XWB and double deck A380.

Image: The wingspan of the A330neo will increase to 64m. Photo: courtesy of Airbus SAS.