Virgin Atlantic has made headlines with a groundbreaking announcement at the Farnborough Airshow. The airline has placed a firm order for seven additional A330neo aircraft, marking a significant step in its comprehensive fleet transformation strategy. This latest order brings Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to the A330neo to 19 jets, underscoring its dedication to improving operational efficiency and sustainability.

The announcement was made onboard Virgin Atlantic’s A330neo, aptly named ‘Ruby Rebel’ in honour of the airline’s 40th anniversary and registered as GB-VSRB, a nod to the airline’s visionary founder, Sir Richard Branson.

Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, expressed his enthusiasm for the milestone, stating, “Today, we complete our multi-billion-dollar fleet transformation with the purchase of seven additional A330-900s. These aircraft are beloved by our customers and crew alike. Operating the youngest fleet is our most immediate and impactful lever towards decarbonizing long-haul aviation, and we are proud to maintain one of the youngest, most fuel-efficient fleets across the Atlantic.”

Weiss further highlighted the airline’s longstanding relationship with Airbus, recalling the arrival of ‘Lady in Red’ in 1993 and the symbolic arrival of ‘Ruby Rebel’ this year. “While we may not have been first to the party, Airbus has been our main dance partner, consistently bringing smiles to our customers’ faces over the past three decades,” he added.

Christian Scherer, Airbus’s Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, echoed Weiss’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for Virgin Atlantic’s continued trust in the A330neo. “Virgin Atlantic’s decision to expand its A330neo fleet aligns perfectly with their strategy to operate the youngest fleet across the Atlantic. The A330neo delivers unparalleled operational efficiency and an exceptional passenger experience, significantly enhancing Virgin Atlantic’s sustainability journey. We look forward to many more years of successful collaboration,” Scherer said.

The A330neo, equipped with the award-winning Airspace cabin, offers a superior passenger experience with increased individual space, enlarged overhead bins, advanced lighting systems, and the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity options. These features, combined with the aircraft’s high fuel efficiency, make it a cornerstone of Virgin Atlantic’s fleet.

Powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330-900 boasts an impressive range of 7,200 nautical miles (13,300 kilometres), allowing for non-stop flights to distant destinations. As of June 2024, the A330 Family has garnered 1,798 firm orders from over 130 customers worldwide, including 319 A330neo orders from 30 customers.

In alignment with global sustainability goals, the A330 family can already operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims to increase this capability to 100% by 2030, reinforcing the aviation industry’s commitment to a greener future.

Virgin Atlantic’s strategic fleet expansion with the A330neo is a testament to the airline’s forward-thinking approach and unwavering commitment to sustainability. This move not only enhances the airline’s operational efficiency but also sets a new standard for passenger comfort and environmental responsibility in the aviation industry.

Written by: Anne Keam

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