OREANDA-NEWS. China Eastern Airlines has taken delivery of its 50th A330 aircraft at a ceremony celebrated on Friday 18th in Toulouse, France. Powered by Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines, the A330-200 features a comfortable two class cabin layout seating 30 passengers in business class and 203 in economy.

“We are very happy to take delivery of this 50th A330. It symbolically represents our 30 years of partnership with Airbus. With high efficiency, high economic performance and unrivalled comfort, the A330 gives our passengers an unrivalled flying experience,” said Ma Xulun, General Manager of China Eastern Airlines. “The A330 has been key to our expansion and competiveness in international markets. We are looking forward to many more passengers to fly Airbus aircraft while enjoying the best service from China Eastern.”

“With a fleet of that has grown to 50 A330s over nine years, China Eastern is demonstrating its continued confidence in the superior performance and comfort of the A330,” said Fabrice Br?gier, Airbus President and CEO, “We are confident that with one of the world’s largest A330 fleets, China Eastern will strengthen its position as one of Asia’s leading international carriers and continue to offer its passengers the best flying experience.”

China Eastern began operating the A330 in 2006 and today its fleet has grown to be one of the world’s largest. China Eastern also operates a fleet of around 230 single aisle A320 Family aircraft, taking its Airbus fleet to some 280 planes in total. China Eastern is one of Mainland China’s three major airlines.

The A330 is one of the most popular wide-body aircraft with over 1,500 orders, and over 1,200 delivered to some 110 operators worldwide. Offering the lowest operating costs in its category, and thanks to continuous investment and innovations, the A330 is the most profitable and best performing aircraft in its class, with an average operational reliability of 99.4 percent.