1/17/1994: The Airbus A330 Enters Service

DALLAS — Today, in 1994, the Airbus A330-300 debuted in the aviation industry when it was introduced into service by Air Inter (IT), the launch customer. The inaugural flight took place between Paris Orly Airport (ORY) and Marseille Provence Airport (MRS).

Air Inter, a French domestic carrier, had placed an order for five A330-300 aircraft on March 12, 1987, with an option to purchase an additional 15 for a total cost of US$100 million. This significant order paved the way for the official launch of the A330 and its sister aircraft, the four-engined Airbus A340, which occurred the following day.

The A330-300 would ultimately become the final aircraft type to join IT's fleet.

Domestic Monopoly 

Air Inter had already been operating a wide-bodied jet, the A300, which reached a peak of 22 aircraft in its fleet. The airline consistently filled all 314 seats on these planes, highlighting the need for a suitable replacement. This is where the A330 came into the picture.

However, during that period, Air Inter held a monopoly on French domestic routes. The airline was ahead of its time, adopting practices that are now commonplace among low-cost carriers, such as quick turnarounds, no-frills inflight service, minimal crew requirements, and affordable fares. However, on January 1, 1995, the French government decided to open these routes to other airlines, which gradually reduced Air Inter's demand for large jets like the A330.

Air France Takeover

Air Inter had previously operated the A300, a wide-bodied jet that reached its peak with 22 aircraft in the fleet. The airline consistently achieved full capacity, with all 314 seats occupied, indicating the need for a suitable replacement. This is where the A330 entered the picture.

During that time, Air Inter held a monopoly on French domestic routes and was ahead of its time in terms of operational practices. The airline embraced concepts that are now commonly associated with low-cost carriers, such as efficient turnarounds, no-frills inflight service, minimal crew requirements, and affordable fares.

However, on January 1, 1995, the French government decided to open these routes to other airlines, gradually decreasing Air Inter's demand for large aircraft like the A330.

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