The Airbus A330-800neo (A338) is the smallest and longest-range member of the A330neo family. Based on the earlier A330-200, the A330-800neo combines a proven airframe with new-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic improvements, and Airbus’ modern Airspace cabin.
Entering commercial service in 2020, the A330-800neo is designed for airlines operating long and ultra-long-haul routes with lower passenger demand. It offers significantly improved fuel efficiency and lower operating costs compared to previous-generation aircraft, while retaining the reliability and versatility that made the A330 family one of the world’s most successful wide-body programmes.
Airbus A330-800neo Specifications
| Specification | Airbus A330-800neo |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
| Aircraft type | Wide-body twin-engine airliner |
| First flight | 6 November 2018 |
| Entry into service | 2020 |
| ICAO code | A338 |
| Typical seating | 257–271 passengers |
| Maximum seating | 406 passengers |
| Length | 58.36 m (191 ft 6 in) |
| Wingspan | 64.00 m (210 ft) |
| Height | 17.39 m (57 ft 1 in) |
| Range | Up to 15,000 km (8,100 nautical miles) |
| Cruise speed | Mach 0.82 |
| Engines | 2 × Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 |
| Flight crew | 2 pilots |
The A330-800neo is capable of operating some of the world’s longest commercial routes while offering excellent economics for medium-capacity markets.
Development
Airbus launched the A330neo programme in 2014 to modernise the successful A330 family and compete more effectively with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
The A330-800neo is based on the A330-200 but incorporates major improvements, including:
- New Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines
- New composite Sharklets
- Aerodynamic wing enhancements
- Updated flight systems
- Increased fuel efficiency
- Airbus Airspace cabin
The aircraft completed its maiden flight on 6 November 2018, received joint EASA and FAA certification in February 2020, and entered airline service later that year.
Design Features
Although externally similar to the A330-200, the A330-800neo introduces numerous technological improvements.
Key features include:
- Fly-by-wire flight controls
- Airbus glass cockpit
- Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines
- Composite Sharklets
- Improved aerodynamics
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Lower fuel consumption
- Cockpit commonality with the A320, A330ceo, A350 and other Airbus aircraft
Compared with previous-generation aircraft of similar size, Airbus states the A330-800neo delivers around 25% lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions.
Airspace Cabin
The A330-800neo introduced Airbus’ Airspace cabin, bringing a significantly enhanced passenger experience.
Features include:
- Larger overhead baggage bins
- Modern LED mood lighting
- Improved cabin ambience
- Wider entrance area
- Quieter cabin
- Latest-generation inflight entertainment
- Enhanced connectivity options
Typical seating layouts include:
- Business Class: 1-2-1
- Premium Economy: 2-3-2
- Economy Class: 2-4-2
The cabin width of 5.26 metres allows passengers to enjoy wider economy seats than many competing aircraft.
Performance
The A330-800neo is optimised for airlines that require exceptional range without the capacity of larger wide-body aircraft.
Its capabilities include:
- Ultra-long-haul operations
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Strong hot-and-high airport performance
- ETOPS capability
- High dispatch reliability
With a maximum range of 8,100 nautical miles (15,000 km), it is the longest-range aircraft in the A330 family.
Cargo Capability
The A330-800neo offers substantial cargo capacity alongside passengers.
It can carry:
- Up to 27 LD3 containers
- Eight standard cargo pallets
- Additional bulk cargo
This makes it suitable for routes where both passenger demand and freight revenue are important.
Operators
Although the A330-800neo has received relatively few orders compared to the larger A330-900neo, it serves airlines that value its exceptional range.
Current operators include:
- Kuwait Airways
- Uganda Airlines
- Air Greenland
The aircraft is particularly well suited to airlines operating long-distance routes with moderate passenger demand.
Why Airlines Choose the A330-800neo
The A330-800neo offers several advantages:
- Excellent ultra-long-haul range
- Lower fuel consumption
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Modern Airspace cabin
- Proven A330 reliability
- Strong cargo capability
- High cockpit commonality with other Airbus aircraft
For airlines that do not require the higher capacity of the A330-900neo, the A330-800neo provides an efficient solution for long-range operations.
Legacy
While the A330-900neo has become the dominant member of the A330neo family, the A330-800neo fills a unique niche by combining the longest range in the family with a smaller passenger capacity.
Its advanced engines, aerodynamic improvements and Airspace cabin ensure it remains one of the most capable mid-sized long-haul aircraft available. Although it is one of Airbus’ rarest commercial aircraft, it demonstrates how the A330 platform continues to evolve to meet changing airline requirements.
Airbus A330-800neo Quick Facts
- ✈️ ICAO code: A338
- 📅 First flight: 6 November 2018
- 🛫 Entered service: 2020
- 🌍 Maximum range: 15,000 km (8,100 nm)
- 👥 Typical capacity: 257–271 passengers
- 🪑 Maximum capacity: 406 passengers
- ⚙️ Powered exclusively by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines
- 💺 First Airbus aircraft to introduce the Airspace cabin to the A330 family
- ⛽ Around 25% lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions than previous-generation aircraft of similar size
- 🏆 The longest-range aircraft in the Airbus A330 family.