Airbus did far more than re-engine the A330 when it created the new engine option – neo – A330-800 and A330-900. With the latter well established and the former only just delivered, Paul Eden assesses the neo’s place in a transformed market
On October 29, Kuwait Airways received the first two of eight Airbus A330-800s, 9K-APF (c/n 1964) and 9K-APG (c/n 1969), it has on order. It was a significant event for the airline, but perhaps even more so for Airbus, since the A330-900 has so far outsold its shorter sibling by almost 23:1. One might conclude at this early stage in the A330neo’s career that the airframer miscalculated its medium twinjet offer.