Airbus has started final assembly of the first A330 featuring a higher maximum take-off weight capability of 242t. The aircraft will be used for certification flights, while a second example - for Delta Air Lines - is being assembled "in parallel". The US carrier has ordered 10 of the enhanced A330-300s, for delivery from the second quarter of 2015, with General Electric CF6 engines. The additional weight capability will extend the A330's range by up to 500nm (925km), while improvements to the aircraft's aerodynamics and engines will reduce fuel burn by up to 2%, the airframer claims. Airbus will also use the higher-weight airframe as the base for its re-engined A330neo.
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