German carrier Condor is preparing to launch its new fleet of Airbus A330s. Condor has ordered 16 A330neos of the -900 variety, with deliveries expected from Autumn 2022. To prepare for its A330neo operations, Condor has leased four older-generation A330-200s, which it plans to put into service next week.

Condor launches A330 operations next week

As Simple Flying reported this summer, Condor has an order with Airbus for 16 A330-900s. While delivery of the first jet isn't expected until Autumn 2022, Condor is set to begin A330 operations next week with a fleet of older A330-200s.

The carrier will lease four A330-200s from aviation lessors Avolon and Altavair Air Finance. The four jets will be given new registrations - D-AIYA, D-AIYB, D-AIYC and D-AIYD. The first aircraft to take to the skies will be D-AIYD, previously registered as OE-ISR.

All of Condor's leased A330-200s previously flew under Etihad. Photo: Jonathan Palombo via Wikimedia Commons

Ralf Teckentrup, CEO of Condor, said,

"On December 15th, we will be putting our first A330 Ceo into operation. In January there will be a second, in April or May numbers three and four will follow."

Flights are set to commence on December 15th. The first route the A330 will operate will be Frankfurt to Tenerife. Each aircraft will be configured with 22 business class seats and 240 economy class seats.

According to a spokesperson for Condor,

"The cabin interior remains the same, but various elements are adapted to the Condor design."

Four leased A330-200s

Two A330s will be acquired on lease from Avolon, while a further two will be leased from Altavair Air Finance. D-AIYD, set to begin service next week, is over 13 years old and previously flew under Etihad colors.

In fact, all four A330s in the lease were previously operated under the Etihad banner. The aircraft will be at Condor on a temporary lease of around two years.

The A330-200s will be on lease for around two years. Photo: Aero Icarus via Wikimedia Commons

The interior of each A330-200 will remain the same as they were under Etihad Airways. However, with the aircraft acquired on temporary lease only, Condor has come up with a unique solution for the livery.

According to aeroTELEGRAPH,

"The simple white and gray dress is a temporary solution because the planes that were previously on the way for Etihad are only being leased for a transitional period. The application of foils is cheaper than applying the complete Condor paintwork."

A330-900s arriving next autumn

Starting from October 2022, Condor will receive its new A330-900s, with all 16 aircraft set to arrive by January 2024. The new aircraft will help modernize the Condor fleet, which consists of aging A320, B757 and B767 jets alongside younger A321s.

Condor expects its new A330-900s to arrive from October 2022. Photo: Airbus.

Of its new A330-900s, nine aircraft will be acquired on lease and seven will be purchased or financed. The arrival of the leased A330-200s affords Condor crew invaluable training experience in anticipation of its new A330-900s.

Do you think Condor made a good choice investing in the A330neo? Do you have any trips with Condor booked this winter? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.