Pay Attention Boeing: World’s First Rolls Royce Powered Airbus A330neo Delivered To TAP Air Portugal

European aircraft manufacturer, Airbus SE on Monday (26 November) has delivered the first A330neo to Portugese airline, TAP Portugal, Livemint reported . The A330neo features 298 seats, 34 business, 96 economy plus and 168 economy seats according to an Airbus press release.

The Airbus A330neo is competing with the US Boeing 787. The Airbus A330neo (new engine option) is a wide-body jetliner. It is the latest version of the A330ceo (current engine option) developed by Airbus. The A330neo will offer savings on fuel through its new engines from British company Rolls Royce. The engines were delayed due to industrial problems at the supplier.

Airbus expects to catch up on delayed A330neo deliveries by 2019-end, Airbus chief Guillaume Faury remarked. The sales of A330neo have fallen short of expectations compared to Boeing 787. Faury predicts that the sales will catch up after its first delivery.

Ireland based aircraft leasing company, Avolon is the earliest and largest customers for the new A330. Avolon financed the first A330neo to TAP aircraft. Kuwait Airways and Delta Airlines both have recently placed orders for the A330neo.