Airbus has successfully flown its second A330neo test aircraft in preparation of performance and operation validation tests.
Aircraft MSN1813 took off from Toulouse on December 4 for its maiden flight and was in the air for four hours over southwest France and the Bay of Biscay. This second A330neo completes the test fleet for the new aircraft. In the coming months, MSN1813 will be “dedicated to validating aerodynamic and engine performance, as well as airline operations validation”, Airbus said via its Twitter account.
The first A330neo, MSN179 made its inaugural flight in October. Airbus’ testing and development program for the A330neo will comprise of 1,100 flight hours to achieve its EASA and FAA Type Certification by mid-2018.
The program is being performed in an “airline-like” environment to ensure maximum aircraft maturity and reliability for entry into service.
The first flight with the launch airline, TAP Air Portugal, is expected summer 2018. To date 12 customers have placed orders for a total of 212 A330neos.
