TK172: IST → HKT – Flight Guide

The A330-300 is the longer variant of the A330, measuring 63.7m vs 58.8m. It carries more passengers (typically 290-335 vs 250-290) but has slightly less range. The -300 is more common on high-demand routes in Asia and the Middle East, while the -200 is preferred for very long, thinner routes.

Absolutely. The A330-300 was the original variant of the A330 family, entering service in 1993, and has accumulated decades of safe service. It uses fly-by-wire technology and is maintained to the highest airworthiness standards.

The A330-300 typically seats between 290 and 335 passengers in a two-class configuration. High-density configurations can seat up to 440 passengers. The standard economy layout is 2-4-2, providing good comfort.

The A330-300 has a range of approximately 11,750 km, making it ideal for routes like Frankfurt to Beijing, London to Singapore, or Paris to Seoul. It cannot match the ultra-long range of the -200 variant but handles most intercontinental routes comfortably.

The A330-300 offers good long-haul comfort with its wide 2-4-2 economy layout. Business class is fully flat on most major carriers. The cabin is wide and airy compared to narrow-body jets, and the windows are larger than on older widebody aircraft.

Major operators include Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, China Southern, Thai Airways, Swiss, Finnair, Etihad, and TAP Air Portugal. It is particularly dominant on Asian routes where its high capacity is an advantage.

Yes, the A330-300 is an excellent choice. Its size provides stability in turbulence, the fly-by-wire system handles disturbances smoothly, and the wide cabin is less intimidating than narrow-body aircraft. It's a very mature and proven aircraft.

Typically 10-12 toilets on the A330-300: 2 in business, 1-2 in premium economy, and 7-8 in economy. Queue times can build at peak times on full flights, especially around meal service.

Standard economy is 2-4-2, giving every passenger in the side sections direct aisle access. Centre-section passengers have one or two seats between them and the aisle. Business class is typically 1-2-1 with all seats having direct aisle access on most major carriers.

All major long-haul carriers operating the A330-300 provide in-seat entertainment systems with screens in every seat. Modern retrofits include screens of 10-12 inches with extensive movie, TV, and music libraries. USB charging is standard on most modern aircraft.

The A330-300 handles turbulence very well. Its weight and size absorb turbulence better than smaller jets, and the fly-by-wire system continuously adjusts controls. Seats over the wing in rows 25-45 typically experience the least turbulence.

The A330neo (New Engine Option) is a modernised A330 with Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and Airspace cabin interior. It entered service in 2018 and is 25% more fuel-efficient than the classic A330. It is distinguished by its large Sharklet winglets.

Most major operators have now retrofitted Wi-Fi on their A330-300 fleets. Asian carriers like Cathay Pacific and Korean Air, and European carriers like Swiss and Finnair, typically offer connectivity. Check your specific airline's website for details.

The A330-300 has been in production since 1992 and entered service in 1993. Many aircraft in service today are well-maintained veterans with updated interiors. Airbus continues to produce the A330-300 alongside the newer A330neo variant.

The A330-300 is well-suited for overnight flights. Business class fully-flat beds are among the best in the sky on carriers like Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines. In economy, an aisle seat in the side section allows you to get up without disturbing neighbours, and the gentle cabin noise can aid sleep.