Virgin places $2bn aircraft order
Virgin Atlantic has marked its 25th 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.
Phil Davies
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