AIR WIKI

The A330-200 is a shortened, longer-range variant, which entered service in 1998. Typical range with 253 passengers in a three-class configuration is 13,400 km (7,200 nmi).[76] The A330-200 is ten fuselage frames shorter than the original −300, with a length of 58.82 m (193 ft 0 in).[76][97] To compensate for the smaller moment arm of the shorter fuselage, the vertical stabiliser height of the −200 was increased by 104 cm (41 in).[98] The −200's wing was also modified; structural strengthening of the wing allowed the maximum takeoff weight of the −200 to be increased to 229.8 tonnes (507,000 lb).[98] The −200 is offered with three engine types similar to those found on the −300, namely the General Electric CF6-80E, Pratt & Whitney PW4000, or Rolls-Royce Trent 700.[76] Airbus also boosted fuel capacity by using the centre section 139,100 L (36,700 US gal) fuel tank, standard in the A340.[54]

In 2008, Airbus released plans for a higher gross weight version of the A330-200 to more effectively compete against the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.[99] The new-build A330-200HGW had a 5 tonne increase in maximum takeoff weight, allowing a 560 kilometres (300 nmi) range increase and a 3.4 tonnes (7,500 lb) payload increase.[99][100] Korean Air became the first customer on 27 February 2009 with an order for six −200HGWs. Deliveries of the first aircraft started in 2010.