Intelligent Television and Video are proud to present this detailed programme on the Airbus A330-200. Presented by Captain Julian Bond and First Officer Mark Haley. You join Julian and Mark with the aircraft (G-MLJL) at Manchester International Airport (EGCC) stand 27 for our journey to Orlando, Sanford International Airport (KSFB), USA.

Guided Tour
We depart from Manchester using runway 24R, call sign Kestrel 029, with Julian as Pilot Flying. Once we have reached our cruising altitude of 35,000 feet, Julian gives you a guided tour of the A330-200 flightdeck. Systems covered include EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrumentation System), FMGS (Flight Management and Guidance System), MCDU (Multifunction Control Display Unit) and the overhead panel to name but a few.

Airbus Comparisons
Julian also discusses some of the differences between the A330-200 and the Airbus A320. We then settle into the descent for our landing at Sanford on runway 27R. During our flight you can follow our Air Traffic Control, briefings and the checklists.

Captain Julian Bond
Captain Julian Bond joined Airtours International in 1991 when it was formed with 5 McDonnell Douglas MD-83 aircraft and now has over 14000 flying hours. Julian started flying in 1965 when he joined the Royal Navy after university and entered the Fleet Air Arm.

Strike pilot
After training on the Jet Provost and Hawker Hunter, he qualified as a strike pilot on the Buccaneer S MK1 and the S MK2, which he operated from the Aircraft Carriers HMS Eagle and Ark Royal.

Diverse types of aircraft
During his service career he qualified as a CFS A2 Flying Instructor and instructed on types as diverse as the Chipmunk, Hunter, Sea Devon, Sea Heron and of course the Buccaneer. His last tour was on the Buccaneer Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Honington where he was also the last Navy Buccaneer display pilot during the 1977 season.

Move to Airtours
On leaving the Royal Navy, he joined Dan Air and flew the Boeing 727 and BAC 1-11 before moving to Airtours. Julian was a Line Training Captain and then a Type Rating Examiner on the MD83 and in 1995 became the Chief Training Captain when Airtours rolled the shorthaul fleet over to the Airbus A320-200.

IAE Engine standardisation
Initially the company operated both the IAE V2500 and CFM 56 powered versions before standardising on the IAE Engine. The Company now also operates the CFM powered A321-200 and also the Airbus A330-200 long range aircraft which are all flown by the Airbus Fleet pilots under Mixed Fleet Flying Rules.

Airtours International
In 1991 Airtours International began commercial flying with just 5 aircraft. Today, it is recognised as one of the leading leisure airlines with a total Summer 2000 fleet as follows:
10 x Airbus A320, 6 x Boeing B757, 4 x Airbus A321, 3 x Boeing B767,
3 x Airbus A330-200, 1 x DC10

Flagship
The flagship of the airline is the Airbus A330-200. It is the very latest aircraft from Airbus, Airtours' first two A330's came into service in June and July 1999 and are serving long haul destinations such as Florida and the Caribbean.

Mixed fleet flying
Flying both the A320/A321 and the A330 is actually termed 'mixed fleet flying' and Airtours International is the first airline in the UK to be practising it. The only real difference in the handling of the aircraft is on the ground, due to its larger size.
One key reason for choosing the A330 was that it offered the ultimate in-flight experience for passengers combined with cost-effectiveness. The A330 has one of the lowest running costs of any commercial airliner yet built.

Quiet cabin environment
Another benefit of the A330 is that the cabin environment is much quieter during flight than on other aircraft - background engine noise has been reduced to a minimum.
Airtours International has the first A330's in the world to feature downstairs toilets. Five of the seven on board are situated on a downstairs deck, accessed via a stairway at the centre of the aircraft. Putting these toilets downstairs makes the main cabin a more pleasant environment.

Each video in this new range offers the following exciting features:

Digital Stereo Audio
Experience stereo audio of the highest quality. All the audio for the Platinum Collection programmes is recorded using the latest digital audio recorders to bring you crystal clear audio enjoyment.

Digital Video
We are proud to introduce you to the latest in digital video technology. The Platinum Collection range of programmes will all be shoot on digital video tape to ensure the highest quality pictures available to us. We have always been at the forefront of modern technology to bring you the very best in quality aviation viewing.

Digital Editing
The Platinum Collection are all edited "in-house" in our own digital edit facilities which brings us the added advantage of been able to take time to bring you more great programmes from our already established aviation programme family.

Multi-Camera Shoot
This range of programmes are all recorded using a minimum of six, full broadcast, digital cameras to ensure the very best in viewing. By utilising six cameras we are able to bring you the variety of shoots that you would expect from an ITVV programme - the next best thing to being there!

Air Traffic Control
Listen into the air traffic control at the most important phases of our flights - again using digital audio you can hear the actual audio that the pilots themselves hear.

Join the flightdeck crew
By bringing you this wide variety of pictures along with stereo audio in this exciting new range you will feel as though you are actually a part of the flightdeck crew! Witness the tension as the aircraft is rolling down the runway or on the approach into land.