Technically, C-GFAH is not the oldest Air Canada Airbus A330-300 fleet, two months younger than C-GFAF. However, the aircraft has been in actual service three months more than its sibling. We photographed this A333 on March 15, 2020 while plane spotting at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).
For full-size, high resolution versions for any of the photos in the image gallery, simply click on the individual pictures. See below for more detailed information on C-GFAH, the Airbus A330-300 model in general and the airline.
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C-GFAH
Airbus A330-300
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C-GFAH Air Canada Airbus A330-300 Image Gallery
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C-GFAH
C-GFAH performed its first flight on August 30, 1999. The Airbus A330-343X was delivered to Air Canada on October 15, 1999. This is one of 14 A333 models in the fleet with three more on the way. The model is replacing the Boeing 767-300ER.
This Airbus A330-300 is configured for a maximum total of 292 passengers. There are 27 seats in business class, 21 more in premium economy and 244 economy class seats.
Incidents
On August 17, 2014, this airliner was flying from Toronto, Ontario to Zurich, Switzerland. Cruising at 37,000, nearly over Bangor, Maine, a low oil pressure indication was received for the left side engine. The engine was shut down and the flight diverted to Bangor for a safe landing.
Once again, it was a Switzerland flight that experienced problems. This time, on January 21, 2015, it was the start of a tumultuous year for this airplane. Flying from Geneva, Switzerland to Montreal, Quebec, the initial climb was halted at 10,000 feet. The landing gear doors were not closing properly. The flight returned to Geneva for a safe landing. As a result, the retraction delay valve and the left side main gear uplock assembly were replaced.
Two weeks later, on February 5, 2015, the Airbus A330-300 was to fly from Calgary, Alberta to London, England. The takeoff attempt was rejected after an ENG THRUST LOSS indication was received. As a result, the air flow control valve and associated relay were replaced. A replacement Boeing 767-300ER, C-GSCA (now with Air Canada Rouge), was brought in to carry out the flight.
March and April were good but on May 15, 2015, mechanical issues once again cropped up. On a flight from Frankfurt, Germany to Montreal, Quebec, crew experienced flaps issues on final approach to YUL. After entering a holding pattern for 40 minutes, an emergency was declared and the aircraft landed safely. As a result, a proximity switch was replaced and the flap interconnect was adjusted.
On September 7, 2015, C-GFAH was on final approach to Frankfurt, Germany on a flight from Toronto, Ontario. Crew received a HYD G ENG 1 PUMP LO PR indication. The airliner continued for a safe landing but was towed to the terminal. As a result, the left side main gear supply line was replaced.
Move ahead to 2018. On June 22, 2018, the A333 was flying from Paris, France to Montreal, Quebec. Flying at 36,000 feet, 600 miles west of Brest, France, the airplane experienced a hydraulic failure. A request to divert to London, England was refused and the aircraft was forced to turn around and divert back to Paris.
Later that year, on November 25, 2018, the airplane lost its steering upon landing. On a flight from Toronto to Zurich, Switzerland, crew lost all nose wheel steering. The flight landed safely but had to be towed off the runway. As a result, the hydraulic block.
See more aircraft at our Air Canada Fleet Page.
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Airbus A330-300
The initial variant of the Airbus A330 Family, the Airbus A330-300 took its maiden flight in November, 1992. The first A333 was introduced with launch customer Air Inter in January, 1994. Air Inter was a French airline that commenced operations in 1958 and ceased ops in 1997 when it was merged into Air France.
The Airbus A330-300 is 64 metres or 209 feet in length with a wingspan of 60 metres or 198 feet. At the tail, the airliner stands 17 metres or 55 feet in height. The flight range is 11,750 kilometres.
Air Canada
Air Canada was founded as Trans Canada Air Lines in 1937. The name was officially switched on January 1, 1965. There are over 170 aircraft in the main fleet (including Air Canada Jetz and Air Canada Cargo) with nearly 320 when subsidiaries are included. The largest in the fleet is the Boeing 777-300ER. The airline flies to over 220 destinations around the world (350 with subsidiaries included).
Headquartered at the Air Canada Centre on the grounds of Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) in Dorval, Quebec, the airline is a founding member of the Star Alliance. Other founding members include Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Thai Airways and United Airlines. There are now 26 full member airlines worldwide.
Headquartered at the Air Canada Centre on the grounds of Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) in Dorval, Quebec, the airline is a founding member of the Star Alliance. Other founding members include Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Thai Airways and United Airlines. There are now 26 full member airlines worldwide.