Lhasa, Ketu, Addis Ababa: Airbus targets higher airports with A330 Neo

What do Bogotá, Addis Ababa and Lhasa airports have in common? They are all so-called high-altitude airports. This applies if the airport is at least 2,500 meters above sea level, which brings with it some special features.

Since air density and thus lift are lower at high altitudes, takeoffs and landings present a particular challenge. To counter this, the maximum take-off weight may need to be reduced or the runway extended until the machines take off. Engine performance also depends on air density.

Two-week testing programme

Airplanes require special certification for use at high-altitude airports. Airbus is currently working on obtaining approval for the Airbus A330 Neo for these airports. To this end, the manufacturer sent an Airbus A330-900 with registration F-WTTN and a 40-person team to Latin America in mid-to-late March.

The tests were conducted at airports in Toluca, Mexico (2,800 meters or 9,186 feet) above sea level and La Paz, Bolivia. The airport has an altitude of 4,054 meters (13,300 ft). The Airbus A330 Neo is currently allowed to take off and land at airports at an altitude of up to 2,484 meters (8,000 feet).

More possible uses

By obtaining the certification, which is expected to be issued in the first quarter of 2025, the A330 Neo, like the previous model, will be allowed to fly at airports at an altitude of up to 12,500 feet. This would allow flights to Bogota, Addis Ababa and La Paz.

Take-off and landing performance has been tested – especially since increasing altitude reduces engine thrust. In addition, internal flights of the aircraft were also performed to evaluate the climb and approach performance. Airbus reached a positive conclusion: “We were able to achieve the same performance as the A330 Ceo, with the advantage that the A330 Neo is more fuel efficient.”

Condor is one of the largest companies

German airline Condor is currently one of the largest operators of the A330-900, along with Delta Air Lines and TAP Air Portugal. When asked, a Condor spokeswoman said they had taken note of Airbus' certification plans. “In principle, this allows additional targets to be achieved in Condor’s portfolio, but there are currently no concrete plans for this.”