Air Cote d’Ivoire’s First A330-900neo Successfully Takes Flight

Air Côte d’Ivoire is gearing up to introduce its inaugural Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, which successfully completed its maiden flight test on August 4, 2025.

A recent video shared on Air Côte d’Ivoire’s LinkedIn on August 11, 2025, showcased the painting process of this key aircraft, along with footage capturing its takeoff from Airbus’ Toulouse-Blagnac (TLS) facilities in France. The aircraft, temporarily registered as F-WWYE, flew for three hours, soaring over the Bay of Biscay before returning to Toulouse for further outfitting ahead of its eventual delivery.

This new aircraft marks the first of two A330-900neos ordered by the airline in 2022. Initially slated for service in 2024, its delivery encountered several delays along the way.

The Air Côte d’Ivoire A330-900neo will feature the Airbus Airspace cabin divided into four distinct classes, with a total seating capacity of 242 passengers. However, the specific seating configuration has yet to be revealed.

The airline plans to operate this A330-900neo primarily on the strategic route connecting Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ) in Abidjan to Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG).

In addition, Air Côte d’Ivoire has expressed ambitions to broaden its long-haul offerings beyond France. There’s interest in launching nonstop flights from Abidjan to cities such as New York (JFK), Brussels (BRU), and London (LHR), among potential others.

Importantly, Air Côte d’Ivoire has maintained a codeshare agreement with Ethiopian Airlines since 2018. This collaboration allows for shared services on Ethiopian’s direct flights from Abidjan to New York-JFK.

The airline also bridges its West African network to Ethiopian Airlines, which serves the route from Abidjan to New York under Fifth Freedom rights, extending from its hub in Addis Ababa (ADD).

The A330-900neo will be a significant addition, representing the first widebody aircraft for Air Côte d’Ivoire since its inception in 2012.

As of August 2025, the government-owned airline operates a fleet consisting of 12 narrowbody aircraft, including five A319s, two A320ceo, one A320neo, and four DHC-8 Q400s.

Have you been following Air Côte d’Ivoire’s journey? What are your thoughts on their expansion plans?