Launch customer TAP Air Portugal has taken delivery of the first Airbus A330neo. The Portuguese carrier will take delivery of a further 20 A330-900s in the coming years.

TAP Air Portugal’s first A330-900 is leased from Avolon. It features 298 seats in a three-class lay-out with 34 full-flat business class, 96 economy plus and 168 economy class seats. The Airspace by Airbus cabin features the latest-generation in-flight entertainment system and connectivity. The aircraft will be deployed on routes from Portugal to the Americas and Africa.

The A330neo incorporates Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and a redesigned higher-span 3D-optimised wing with Sharklet wingtip devices. Other features include new composite nacelles, a fully faired titanium pylon and zero-splice air inlet technology for enhanced aerodynamics and acoustics.

The A330neo family comprises the A330-900 and the smaller A330-800, sharing the same airframe, engines and cross crew commonality. The A330-800 made its maiden flight on 6th November.

Today, TAP Air Portugal operates an Airbus fleet of 72 aircraft (18 A330s, 4 A340s,and 50 A320 Family aircraft). The single-aisle fleet includes 22 A319ceo, 21 A320ceo and four A321ceo, one A320neo and two recently delivered A321neo.