Airbus A330-400 High Capacity Medium Range Study

[keesje]

Hi, looking at the continuing succes of the A330-300 would an upgrade as a high capasity medium range people mover make sense?

It would lack the payload & range of the B777-300ER, A350-900/-1000, 787-10/11 (up to 8000nm) but in return could be significantly lighter / cheaper to operate. It would not directly compete with those aircraft on longer flights.



A high capasity medium range A330 could include:

• new generation engines GENX / RR Trent, reducing fuel consumption with xx%.
• additional 50 seats on topof the A333/772
• a higher MTOW / strenghtened wings structure then the A330-300
• a high LD3 / pallet capasity due to its stretched cargo deck
• even lower CASM then current A330s.
• smart provisions for cargo conversion.
• entry into service 2011, 6 yrs before A350-1000.
• range of 5500nm with full passenger load, 4000nm with a good amount of cargo:

5500nm full passenger & 4000nm cargo load ranges from FRA


5500nm full passenger & 4000nm cargo load ranges from HKG


US Eastcoast-Europe and intra Asia would be no problem. The big sellingpoint would be much lower operating costs / CASM.


A similar capasity Boeing 777-300ER has an OEW of 366,940 lb, (166,881 kg). That is about 30 tonnes more you have to hop around. More then the weight of the 350 passenger payload.


The 777-300ER is powered by 110-115lbs engines to accomplish the long haul polar missions it is designed for. Far more then neccesary for short / medium routes.

At $100 / barrell airlines can no longer effort to misuse expensive, heavy long haul aircraft for short trips. It the reason e.g. SQ ordered A333 while already operating a large 777 fleet. Times have changed..

Thoughts?