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Chicago O’Hare International today got an exclusive look at Airbus’ newest aircraft, the A330neo. The plane arrived this afternoon from Iceland as part of series of “route proving” flights that must be completed before the aircraft can enter into commercial passenger service. Chicago was one of three U.S. cities and 16 overall around the world to be included in the demonstration tour. With international service to Chicago continuing to grow at a rapid pace, these aircraft will likely be seen in the future at O’Hare.

The A330neo is intended to be a direct replacement of the A330-300 that first went into service 25 years ago. The newer version can fly up to 20 percent more efficiently in part due to a larger Rolls Royce Tren7000 engine along with aerodynamic improvements and new technology. Special guests at O’Hare today, including airline representatives, were invited to view the aircraft up close and go inside. The new cabin of the A330neo includes larger overhead bins, 18-inch wide economy class seats, new in-flight entertainment features, larger windows and mood lighting.

The plane parked at O’Hare’s new state-of-the-art Northeast Cargo Development campus. The aircraft will depart with passengers from Terminal 5 tomorrow as the plane travels to Atlanta on the next leg of the tour.
In recent years, the launch of newer, more fuel efficient long-haul aircraft into service has helped spur international service growth from Chicago. This year alone, airlines have announced or started service to 17 international destinations from O’Hare including the first-ever flights to Ethiopia, Africa; Auckland, New Zealand; and Bogota, Columbia. By the end of 2018, Chicago will be one of only five cities globally to have nonstop passenger air service to all six major inhabited regions of the world (Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America).