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.

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