The A330-800 has secured a joint certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after completing 370 flight test hours and 132 flights since its first flight in November 2018.

In a statement, Airbus said the certification will pave the way for the entry of the aircraft into service this year.

The European planemaker said new technologies in the A330-800 will bring longer range and double-digit fuel burn reduction for airlines.

"Part of a true new-generation A330neo family, is the most efficient longest range entry-level widebody and incorporates new Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, a new 3D-optimised wing and new Sharklets using lighter composite materials — which bring a significant reduction in fuel consumption of 25% compared with older generation competitor aircraft of similar size," Airbus said.

Certified initially with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 242 tonnes for a range capability of up to 7,500 nautical miles, the A330-800 will typically seat 220 to 260 passengers in three classes, or up to 406 travellers in a single-class high-density configuration.

To date the A330neo family has won 337 firm orders from 22 operators.

The aircraft’s certification flight-test campaign was successfully performed by aircraft MSN1888.