On March 18 at 15:47, an A330-900neo with registration F-WTTN landed for the first time at the Toluca International Airport (TLC), Mexico. This model, the largest in the A330neo family, arrived from Toulouse/Blagnac (TLS), France, after a 13-hour and 39-minute flight. It aims to undergo takeoff tests under high temperature and elevation conditions («Hot and High»).
The Toluca International Airport, with its elevation of 8,465 feet (2,580 meters above sea level), provides the perfect setting to assess the aircraft’s capability to operate under challenging conditions, like those at certain airports worldwide.
This is not the first time Airbus has chosen Mexico as a testing ground. Previously, the Merida Airport (MID) has witnessed tests in tropical climates, where both an Airbus A330neo and an A320 have performed landing and takeoff operations to verify flight parameters, engine performance, systems, and materials under extreme conditions.
Between March 18 and 22, 19 landings and takeoffs took place in Toluca, with flights lasting from 30 to 60 minutes and taxi tests at the airport. On Sunday, March 24, the same aircraft landed at the El Alto International Airport, La Paz (LPB) in Bolivia, situated at 13,325 feet (4,062 meters above sea level), to continue with the «Hot & High» tests.
See Also: Airbus delivers the hundredth A330neo produced to Condor
Improvements of the Airbus A330neo
Since its debut in November 2018, the A330neo family has undergone several significant improvements. Among these improvements is an increase in the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) from the certified initially 242 tons to the current 251 and an increased capacity from 440 to 460 seats.
Airbus is advancing in the model’s evolution with the launch of the operational performance improvement package named «Step 4». This approach focuses on enhancing the aircraft’s low-speed performance, achieving higher lift, and reducing drag during critical takeoff and climb phases.
See Also: Airbus introduces performance improvements for the A330neo
Identifying room for further performance optimization, Airbus has introduced intermediate flap positions to smooth the transitions of flaps and slats. Additionally, another improvement focuses on reducing the landing gear retraction time and the opening and closing of the landing gear doors.
To date, 125 A330neo of 286 orders have been delivered to 22 customers, including the -800 and -900 models.
