In 2000, it was reported that Airbus was studying an A330-300 version with a higher gross weight. It was named A330-300HGW and had a takeoff weight of , greater than the -300's weight at the time. The version would have a strengthened wing and additional fuel capacity from a centre section fuel tank. The A330-300HGW's range was increased to over . Among those that showed interest was leasing company ILFC, which sought airliners that could fly from the US West Coast to Europe.