Airbus may offer the new A330-900 with an ETOPS 285 option, according to the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The same certification by the American
aviation authority is expected soon.
 
ETOPS 285 means that airlines are allowed to use the A330-900 on routes where
the nearest alternate airport with a single engine is at a maximum of 285
minutes. In practice, this is about 3700 kilometers.
 
By default, the A330neo has an ETOPS 180 certification, which meets the
longhaul routes. For example, the ETOPS 285 option makes it possible to carry
out scheduled flights between Sydney and Santiago (Chile).
 
Launch customer TAP Air Portugal took the A330-900 in December on the Lisbon -
Sao Paulo route. In total, more than 200 orders have been placed for this type
of aircraft, which follows the A330-300 and has more efficient engines and
wings.

--- D'Bridge 3.99 SR41
 * Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)