Air Côte d’Ivoire eyes flights to Paris and New York with arrival of Airbus A330neo
August 25, 2025
Air Côte d’Ivoire is preparing to take delivery of its first Airbus A330neo, a crucial step in enabling the launch of long-haul services to Europe.
The widebody aircraft completed its maiden test flight earlier this month, and delivery is expected by the end of August. Once in place, the aircraft will be used to launch nonstop services between Abidjan and Paris by October.
The arrival of the Airbus A330-900 is particularly significant for the airline, which has until now focused on regional connectivity across West and Central Africa with a fleet of Airbus A319s, A320s, an A320neo and Dash 8 turboprops.
Air Côte d’Ivoire enters long-haul market
Chief Executive Officer Laurent Loukou described the acquisition as a crucial step for the airline’s development.
“The financing under this agreement will enable Air Côte d’Ivoire to launch direct and regular long-haul flights from Abidjan to major American and European cities such as New York and Paris, as well as several other international destinations,” says Loukou.
“The project specifically includes the acquisition of two long-haul Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, each with a capacity of 242 seats, to support the growth of Air Côte d’Ivoire, reduce air travel costs, and improve our country’s air connectivity.”
The aircraft, flying under test registration F-WWYE, has taken three test flights this month, on August 5th, 13th and 21st. It will take the registration TU-TRG when delivered.
Air Cote d'Ivoire A330-941
— dn280 (@dn280) February 28, 2025
msn 2086 F-WWYE / TU-TRG
msn 2098 F-WWCG / TU-TRH
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It is the first of two Airbus A330neos ordered by the carrier in 2022. The second will take the registration TU-TRH.
Benefits of the Airbus A330neo
The A330-900neo, part of Airbus’s new-generation wide-body family, offers lower fuel consumption and greater range efficiency than earlier A330 variants.
It has become a popular choice for airlines seeking to expand long-haul networks at a lower cost than comparable widebody aircraft, such as the A350.
Air Côte d’Ivoire’s aircraft will feature Airbus’s Airspace cabin, configured in four classes.
Abidjan–Paris will be the first intercontinental route for the airline, giving the Ivorian capital a direct link to one of Europe’s busiest hubs.
The carrier has also highlighted Brussels and London as potential future destinations, though no firm timetable has been announced.
Growing competition in West Africa
The move comes at a time of growing competition in the West African aviation market.
Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Royal Air Maroc already connect the region with Europe and North America, with modern Boeing 787 or Airbus A350 aircraft, while smaller regional carriers compete for intra-African traffic.
For Air Côte d’Ivoire, the introduction of widebody aircraft could help establish Abidjan as a hub for both regional and long-haul travel, strengthening the country’s position in African aviation.
