A330 Operating Manual - Delta Virtual Airlines

Airbus A330 Operating ManualHistory and OverviewIn November 1987, Airbus Industries launched a new program to help airlinesfind a suitable replacement for the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 and to directlycompete with Boeing’s 767 aircraft. As part of this effort, two distinct airlinerfamilies were created – the twin engine A330, and the four engine A340. Thetwo airliners used a revolutionary electronic flight deck and ‘fly by wire’ controlsystems pioneered in the A320 and brought them to a wide-bodied jetliner.The A330 and A340 projects were launched simultaneously and, much likeBoeing’s 757 and 767, share many common systems, including the flight deck,airframe, and wings. The only significant difference between the two is thenumber and type of engines, as well as some slight changes to the wings andfuel tanks.There are two main variants of the A330 as well as a tanker and freighterversion. The A330-300 was launched in 1987 with its introduction into serviceoccurring in 1993. The first delivered aircraft was to Air Inter in 1994. TheA330-200 variant was launched in 1995 with the first delivered aircraft going toILFC/Canada3000 in April of 1998.2