Airbus A330
Last updated: 2026-04-21
The Airbus A330 is a twin-engine, fly-by-wire widebody seating 250-440 passengers, operated by European carriers including Lufthansa and TAP on medium and long-haul routes and the standard widebody progression type rating. It is a workhorse of European EASA general-aviation training fleets, used at both DTO and ATO operators for hour-building and rating progression. undefined
What is the Airbus A330 used for in flight training?
For A320-qualified pilots seeking widebody progression, the A330 type rating is the most common next step at European carriers. The shared Airbus fly-by-wire philosophy reduces retraining time compared to moving to a Boeing type. Key new competencies include ETOPS procedures, long-haul crew rest management, wide cabin emergency coordination, and fuel tankering calculations for long sectors. Initial A330 type rating typically requires 35-40 simulator sessions.