23 June 2009

Virgin places $2bn aircraft order

Virgin Atlantic has marked its 25^th anniversary by placing a multi-billion dollar order for new long haul aircraft.

The airline is to acquire ten Airbus A330-300s valued at more than $2 billion.

Five of the 270-seat aircraft will arrive in 2011 and five in 2012.

The new aircraft will operate on many of Virgin Atlantic’s existing business and leisure routes worldwide.

They will also assist future growth, helping Virgin Atlantic to fly to new destinations from London such as Beijing, Cancun and Vancouver.

The more fuel-efficient A330-300s, which deliver lower maintenance costs as well as substantial cargo capacity, will integrate with Virgin Atlantic’s existing fleet of 38 aircraft and help the airline expand before the arrival of 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, from 2013.

Virgin Atlantic has secured financing for all 10 aircraft via AerCap, an integrated global aviation and aircraft leasing company. Four of the aircraft will be on direct operating leases from AerCap.

Each of the A330-300 aircraft will feature the next generation of seats, which will be lighter and even more comfortable than those in the air today, according to the airline.

Every passenger will benefit from a dynamic new entertainment hub, including USB ports and power sockets in Upper Class and Premium Economy cabins.

All travellers will also be able to send and receive emails and texts on their Blackberries, handheld PDAs and other mobile devices.

The new twin-engine A330-300s are nearly 10% more fuel efficient than the A340-300 four-engine aircraft used by the carrier.

Chief executive Steve Ridgway said: "Despite the worst economic conditions in decades, we are focusing on sustainable growth in the years ahead using the most fuel-efficient aircraft possible.

"Virgin Atlantic has a strong history of successfully investing during a downturn and our Airbus order today sends a strong signal that now is the time to invest, in order to help protect jobs and get the world’s economy moving again."

by Phil Davies

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4 engines 4 long-haul

Presumably this means that Virgin will not be using this slogan on its aircraft any more.

By John Standley, Tuesday, June 30, 2009