Virgin Atlantic Orders 12 Airbus A350-1000 Aircraft

Virgin Atlantic has signed a firm order with Airbus for 12 A350-1000 aircraft, valued at US$4.4 billion.

The investment demonstrates is part of a fleet modernisation program which will see 50% of Virgin Atlantic’s aircraft replaced in a six year period – creating one of the world’s youngest fleets.

Of the twelve firm orders, eight will be purchased and four leased, as Virgin Atlantic continues its investment into increasing the mix of owned and leased aircraft in its fleet.

The aircraft, which will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, 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.

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. We’re looking forward to introducing this aircraft to our customers, as its impressive economics, fuel performance, and quiet flying offer an irresistible proposition that makes long haul travel more enjoyable and better for the environment.” 

The A350-1000, which will replace Virgin Atlantic’s remaining Boeing 747-400s and Airbus A340-600s, is due for delivery from early 2019.

The aircraft will operate on both business and leisure routes for Virgin Atlantic worldwide with a base at both London Heathrow and London Gatwick. Initially the aircraft will fly to key US destinations from London Heathrow.

The aircraft will be delivered to Virgin Atlantic 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.”

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