On June 30th 2016, there was a press release by Airbus that talks about Airbus delivering Tibet Airlines their first A330. Tibet Airlines is based out of Lhasa. The A330-200 aircraft is considered the first wide body aircraft that Tibet has received. It has a 242 ton maximum take off weight, or MTOW. The handover was done in Toulouse, France. Due to the take off weight increase, the airline is able to operate in more harsh condition such as environments that require higher altitude airports where aircraft range, performance, and operating costs are crucial.
The Airbus A300-200 has a three class cabin layout which includes 235 seats for economy, 32 premium economy, and 12 business. This new Airbus will allow for Tibet Airlines to take on new routes that it has not been able to do so before.
Here is what Bai Weisan, the President of Tibet airlines, has to say about the delivery of the Airbus A330-200.
“We are extremely excited to receive our first widebody airliner – an enhanced A330 from Airbus and are very confident at its high-altitude performance. The A330 Family will become our core widebody to be deployed on our new international routes thanks to its flexibility, comfort and efficiency. With the A330, we are looking forward more passengers from all over the world to flying with Tibet Airlines and visiting Tibet.”
Eric Chen, the President of Airbus China, also commented on this important event.
“…With an operating base at high altitude Lhasa Airport and routes covering all of Tibet’s civil airports, the airline already benefits from the unrivalled performance of Airbus single-aisle aircraft. We are proud the A330 is Tibet Airline’s backbone for international route expansion.”
