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By Bjorn Fehrm

August 28, 2025, © Leeham News: We analyze Airbus’s A330neo, how the different variants were developed, their sales, and their performance before and after the neo upgrade.

After examining the history of the A330-200 and its evolution into a neo version, the A330-800, we now assess its performance. We utilize our Aircraft Performance and Cost Model (APCM) to compare the performance of the A330-800 to Boeing’s smallest Dreamliner, the 787-8.

Figure 1. The A330-800, the very long-range A330. Source: Airbus.

Summary:

• The Airbus A330-800 is an aircraft for especially demanding routes. It's the only 8,000nm airliner in the 250-seat class.
• Our 787-8 comparison shows where the A330-800 has its advantage, on the world's longest routes.