A330neo passes detailed design review

Airbus’s re-engined A330neo has passed its detailed design review, some six months after concept freeze.

The airframer embarked on detailed component design work for the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000-powered twinjet around mid-2015.

Airbus disclosed during the Singapore air show that the aircraft had “successfully passed” the detailed design review in December, a few weeks after manufacturing of the first parts had begun.

“With this achievement all critical design and industrial reviews at component level have been passed,” it says.

“Required performance and time-to-market planning have been fully demonstrated.”

Airbus says manufacturing of components for the aircraft is “well advanced”, with initial assemblies being produced at facilities including St Eloi – which specialises in the pylon – as well as Nantes and Broughton.

Final assembly of the A330neo is set to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. Airbus is aiming to deliver the aircraft within a 42-month development schedule, with first handover to customers in late 2017.

Airbus has secured orders for 170 of the re-engined jets of which all but 10 are for the larger -900 variant.