Airbus has delivered the first of the three A330 aircraft ordered by Libyan carrier, Afriqiyah Airways in 2006.

The A330s, configured in a two-class layout will serve long-haul operations on routes from Tripoli to Africa and Europe.

Afriqiyah Airways CEO Ramah Ettir said the aircraft’s outstanding economics and commonality with the airway’s existing fleet will enable Afriqiyah to continue to expand its affordable and reliable services and further strengthen its market position.

The twin-engine wide-body craft will fly 230 passengers up to a distance of 6,750nm. The A330-200’s large under-floor cargo hold can carry standard pallets alongside containers side-by-side and it is capable of serving a wide range of route structures offering a low operating cost per seat.

The A330s will add to the the airways existing fleet of two A319s and five A320s.

A further ten A320 family aircraft will be delivered to Afriqiyah in the future.