In the early months of 2018, OO-SFO was grounded on two separate occasions due to engine failure and a damaging bird strike. Still, at nearly 25 years old, the Airbus A330-300 is still providing great service for Brussels Airlines. We photographed the A333 on August 11, 2018 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 OO-SFO, the Airbus A330-300 model in general and the airline.
This particular aircraft was formerly painted in a special ‘Belgian Red Devils’ livery. 1:200 scale diecast models are available for that exact plane – check it out here: OO-SFO diecast model.
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OO-SFO
Airbus A330-300
Brussels Airlines
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OO-SFO Brussels Airlines Airbus A330-300 Image Gallery
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OO-SFO
OO-SFO performed its maiden flight on January 31, 1994 and was delivered to Air Inter on February 21, 1994 as F-GMDC. Air Inter commenced operations in 1958 and ceased to exist on April 1, 1997 after merging into Air France.
This Airbus A330-301 did not join the Air France fleet. Rather, it was delivered to Sabena, a predecessor to Brussels Airlines, on November 12, 1997 as OO-SFO. The airplane flew for Sabena, Birdy Airlines and SN Brussels Airlines, all which morphed into the present Brussels Airlines in 2007. Officially, this A333 has been with the current brand since March 25, 2007.
One of ten Airbus A330-300 models in the main fleet, OO-SFO is configured for a maximum total of 288 passengers with 30 seats in business class, 39 more in premium economy and 219 economy class seats.
On January 2, 2017, the airliner was flying from Monrovia, Liberia to Brussels, Belgium. At 40,000 feet and around Basel, Switzerland, a cabin ventilation fault message was received followed by smoke and a burning smell on the airplane. OO-SFO was diverted to Basel for a safe landing. However, it was able to continue to Brussels a short time later.
Scheduled to fly from Freetown, Sierra Leone to Brussels on January 9, 2018, things definitely did not go as planned. On the acceleration, the left side engine surged and the takeoff was rejected. The aircraft was grounded for 35 hours in Freetown while repairs to the engine were made.
The following month, on February 16, 2018, OO-SFO was flying from Dakar, Senegal to Banjul, Gambia. The flight went as planned with the Airbus A330-300 landing safely in Banjul. However, it was then discovered that the airliner has had a run-in with a bird and the aircraft was grounded for 63 hours for repairs. A replacement Airbus A330-200, OO-SFY, was brought in continue service.
See more aircraft at our Brussels Airlines fleet page.
Access all our featured aircraft at the Airplane Index Page.
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.
Brussels Airlines
Brussels Airlines was founded in 2006 and commenced operations in March, 2007 following the merger between SN Brussels Airlines and Virgin Express. The airline is a member of the Star Alliance and is under the Lufthansa Group ownership. Brussels Airlines has roots with Sabena, a Belgian airline that was founded in 1923 and ceased operations in 2001.
Headquartered in Diegem, Machelen, Belgium, Brussels Airlines has a fleet of over 50 aircraft flying to nearly 125 destinations around the world. The fleet is now made up entirely of airliners manufactured by Airbus. The largest is the Airbus A340-300 while the smallest is the Airbus A319-100.