Kuwait Airways (KU) now operates the longest Airbus A330-800neo scheduled flight, with the carrier scheduling the aircraft from its base at Kuwait International Airport (KWI) to New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Having previously operated its Boeing 777-300ER for the flight, a shift to the Airbus beginning on March 15th set the record for the longest flight, at over 13 hours for the A330-800neo. As we may be aware, flight durations can vary at times subject to weather, head or tail winds, for example. At the time of writing, the longest flight was on March 25th, with a total flight time of 13hrs14mins.

The one-year-old A330-800neo, 9K-APH, took the first flight to the Big Apple, operating at KU117 outbound and KU118 on the return. Scheduled flight times as listed below:

• KU117, departing Kuwait International Airport (KWI) on March 15th at 08:30, arriving at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 14:55 the same day, a flight time of 13 hours and 25mins.
• KU118, departing New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on March 15th at 19:00, arriving at Kuwait International Airport (KWI) on March 16th at 14:00, a flight time of 12 hours.

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A two-cabin configuration

With the airlines plan to match capacity with demand, with optimized performance and experience for its passengers, the Airbus A330-800neo, is equipped with its Airspace Cabin, which includes 32 business class seats, paired with 203 for economy, in a 2-4-2 configuration.

Kuwait Airways noted in a recent statement that the aircraft deployed on the route will offer: 'passengers state of the art flying experience with more personal space, quietest cabin in its market and the latest generation of in-flight entertainment system and connectivity.'

With new aircraft in the market, sustainability and carbon emissions remain front and center. The efficiency of this aircraft type will deliver double-digit fuel savings for the carrier and a reduction in CO2 emissions.

The decrease in operating costs for the airline is expected to lower ticket prices on the route for passengers. Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Ali Al-Dukhan, released this statement:

"This flight marks a new era in our strategy to right-fit the best of customer experiences while balancing cost efficiencies and sustainability in our operational decisions. The utilization of this aircraft's long-range capability will also bring double-digit savings, which coincidentally means less harm to the environment, matching closely to our ESG goals. We are proud to take the next step forward in reaching the corporate strategy goals in reducing costs and enhancing marginal performance".

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Only a handful of operators

As previously reported by SimpleFlying, the Airbus A330-800neo isn't a hugely popular aircraft. Only four carriers will operate the type. Kuwait Airways (four aircraft), Uganda Airlines (two), and Air Greenland (one). Once Garuda Indonesia's four have been delivered, that'll be it for the A330-800neo deliveries at present.

Kuwait Airways' onboard experience, as proclaimed by the airline, is 'committed to excellence in every detail.' This includes cabin-wide WiFi, plus a range of menus for various passenger requirements. Inflight entertainment options include a virtual box office and a wide range of video games.

The carrier operates from Terminal 4 at Kuwait International Airport and Terminal 7 at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport.