While there are a number of different versions of this plane, they are all medium or long-range options from Airbus. They feature twin engines and a wide body, which ensures that both the crew and the passengers are as comfortable as possible during flights.
This is a powerful variant of the A330, even though it is a little bit shorter. It features a classic 3-class configuration and can easily hold up to 253 passengers. The fuselage frames are much shorter than on the original A330-300, and reach only 58.82 m. As part of the A330, the A330-200 is the most spacious of any other similar aircraft in this category. This means that the cabin can easily be set up in a number of different ways, with optional galleys, stowage areas, lavatories, and groupings for airliners to choose from.
Development
The A330-200 was first introduced into service in 1998. Korean Air was the first airliner to use this powerful aircraft. By adjusting the fuselage length, the vertical stabilizer, and the wing, Airbus was able to create a larger and more powerful aircraft.
With 660 of these aircraft ordered and 637 of them already delivered, these planes are in use around the world.
Orders and Deliveries
By October of 2011, there were 568 orders for the A330-200 and 437 of the aircraft had already been delivered. Oman ordered seven aircraft, with the first one being delivered in the fall of 2009.
Design
There were a number of design changes made to this aircraft to ensure that it was not only powerful, but also comfortable. The aircraft had a new vertical stabilizer that was first introduced in 2004. The shorter design of the fin was derived from other Airbus planes.
In 2008, plans were released for a version of the A330-200 that was designed to be more efficient and better able to compete with other similar aircraft. This was the A330-200HGW and had an impressive 5t increase in take-off weight.
2012 saw another version announced. This increased the maximum gross weight to 240t. Other versions of this aircraft include the ACJ330, which is a long-range corporate business jet. The A330-200F is an all-cargo option, while the A300P2F was adapted for fast delivery and commerce options.
Finally, the A330-800neo has a longer cabin with six more seats, while the A330-900neo has 10 more seats and takes much less fuel during flight.
There are also a few military variants, as well as some variants that were designed, but never developed.
Flight Deck
This aircraft features a highly advanced flight deck, making it easy for pilots to control the plane. Designed to make it easy for pilots to transfer between planes in the A330 family, there are only a few things that pilots will need training on to be able to fly multiple versions.
Both the pilot and co-pilot have rudder pedals and controllers. With six displays in the cockpit, navigation displays, and a powerful electronic flight instrumentation system, this aircraft is powerful and easy to use.
Cabin
The redesigned cabin in the A330-200 is incredibly comfortable, making it a great choice for passengers. The redesigned cabin can seat 345 with 12 in the club class and 333 in the economy class, or a total of 332 passengers. This design has 12 sets in club class, as well as 320 in economy class.
Additionally, this airplane features great in-flight entertainment. With mobile phones, email connectivity, and video-on-demand, this plane is great for passengers. The cabin is incredibly quiet and features ambient lighting, which makes the flight much more comfortable and can decrease jetlag.
The 18” seats offer plenty of personal space and the twin-aisle ensures comfort when navigating the cabin.
Engines
The A330-200 is loaded with two powerful Rolls Royce Trent 772B engines, a pair of Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines, or General Electric CF6-80E engines. These engine types are all similar to the ones that are on the A330-300.
Performance
This powerful plane can reach an impressive cruising speed of 870km/h and has a range of 9,600 km. The overall length is 58.8 m, and the wingspan is 60.3 m. With a shorter fuselage than the A330-300, this powerful aircraft still has an impressive fuel capacity of 111,272 kg.
It can take off with a maximum weight of 233,000 kg.
Landing Gear
There is the typical retractable tricycle landing gear on this powerful aircraft. Additionally, there is retractable nose gear. The A330-200F has blister fairing on the nose that was designed to ensure that the nose gear would easily be accommodated.
Competitors
One of the main competitors of this powerful aircraft is the Boeing 777.
Operating Cost
This large and powerful aircraft has an average operating cost per block hour of around $8,568. The price will vary according to certain factors, with the cost sometimes being higher, around $8,764.
