Virgin America and Airbus have signed a
non-binding Memorandum of Understanding for 40 Airbus A320
aircraft. The order will triple Virgin America’s fleet going
forward.
The airline indicated it would announce its choice of
engines for the additional aircraft once the purchase agreement is
finalized.
Virgin America already operates 28 Airbus aircraft (10 A319s
and 18 A320s) and will put a total of 22 more purchased and leased
A320s into service by the end of 2012. Once finalized, the MoU
will expand the Virgin America fleet to a total
of 90 Airbus aircraft.
With this MoU, Virgin America may
choose the new, fuel-saving “Sharklet” option that is available
beginning in late 2012 on A320 aircraft. Sharklets are large
wing-tip devices that will enhance the eco-efficiency and
payload-range performance of the A320 Family.
Offered as a
forward-fit option, they are expected to result in at least 3.5%
reduced fuel burn over longer sectors, corresponding to an annual
reduction of around 700 metric tons of carbon dioxide per
aircraft.
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