Airbus

Airbus A330-300

333 A333 Out of Production

About Airbus A330-300

Original A330 variant and one of the most popular wide-body aircraft ever. The -300 was the volume seller of the A330 program, known for excellent reliability and low operating costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Airbus A330-300 typically seats 277 passengers in a standard two-class configuration. In a high-density single-class layout, it can accommodate up to 440 passengers. The cabin is 5.28 m wide, allowing for a 2-4-2 configuration in economy, which many passengers prefer because it reduces the number of middle seats compared to a 3-3-3 layout.
The Airbus A330-300 has a maximum range of approximately 11,750 km (6,350 nautical miles). This range covers routes such as London to Hong Kong, Paris to Tokyo, or New York to Rome. While not as long-legged as the A350 or 787, the A330-300 remains highly competitive on medium-to-long-haul routes where its lower acquisition cost and proven economics offset the slightly higher fuel burn.
The Airbus A330-300 is available with three engine options: the General Electric CF6-80E1, the Pratt & Whitney PW4000, and the Rolls-Royce Trent 700. This engine choice flexibility is a key selling point, allowing airlines to standardize with their preferred engine manufacturer. The Trent 700 has been the most popular choice, powering the majority of A330-300s in service.
Major operators of the A330-300 include Turkish Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, and Air China. The A330-300 has been particularly popular with Asian and European carriers for medium-haul international routes. Over 770 A330-300s have been delivered, making it the most successful variant of the A330 family and a reliable bridge between narrow-body and ultra-long-haul wide-body operations.
The A330-300 and 787-9 carry similar passenger numbers (277 vs 290 in two-class), but the 787-9 has significantly better range at 14,140 km versus 11,750 km. The 787-9 burns approximately 20% less fuel per seat thanks to its composite airframe and newer engines. However, the A330-300 has a lower purchase price and benefits from decades of proven service, making it an attractive option for airlines operating shorter wide-body routes.