Virgin places multi-billion dollar aircraft order
Virgin Atlantic has ordered 12 new Airbus A350 aircraft for $4.4billion.
The airline said the order formed part of a fleet modernization programme, which will see it replacing 50% of its aircraft over six years to give it one of the youngest fleets.
Of the 12 new aircraft on order, eight will be purchased and four leased.
The new Airbus A350 is designed to be 30% more fuel and carbon efficient than the aircraft it replaces in the fleet and is expected to reduce the airline’s noise footprint at its airports by more than half, said Virgin.
Prime Minister, David Cameron welcomed the new order.
"As well as being good news for passengers, it’s great news for jobs in the UK. The fantastic Airbus A350 is part built in the UK with Rolls Royce engines and other suppliers across the country. It’s an investment in the UK itself, and our world-beating aerospace industry."
Virgin Atlantic CEO Craig Kreeger, said "The size of this order demonstrates our absolute focus on investing in the future for our customers and our people, and confirms the strength of our business."
"The A350-1000 plays a pivotal role in our fleet programme, helping to create one of the youngest, cleanest, greenest fleets in the sky."
The A350-1000, which will replace Virgin Atlantic’s remaining Boeing 747-400s and Airbus A340-600s, is due for delivery from early 2019.
Initially the aircraft will fly to key US destinations from London Heathrow.
The aircraft will be delivered to Virgin in two configurations – one for the business fleet seating up to 360 customers and one for the leisure fleet seating up to 410 customers.
Virgin Atlantic President Sir Richard Branson said:
"We’re thrilled to welcome the A350 to Virgin Atlantic. It is an outstanding aircraft from both a customer and sustainability point of view. Sustainable growth and meeting our carbon targets is incredibly important to us, and the aircraft’s environmental credentials were a genuine factor in our selection.
"We will be pairing its cutting edge customer proposition with our own Virgin magic to give customers the best possible experience."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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