Virgin Atlantic has added a new-generation aircraft to its fleet, with them taking delivery of their first Airbus A330neo.
The A330-900neo that Virgin Atlantic has taken delivery of is leased from Air Lease Corporation. The A330neo will play a role in the company’s fleet transformation as it seeks to remove older A330 aircraft from its fleet.
It also marks the 50th Airbus aircraft for the UK-based airline.
Virgin Atlantic will become the first operator of the type in the UK, and has ordered 13 A330neo aircraft (six on lease from ALC) with an intention to expand the fleet to 16 eventually.
It affords Virgin Atlantic A330-A350 fleet commonality for its pilots and a seamless passenger experience, as Virgin Atlantic already operates nine state-of-the-art A350-1000 aircraft.
Onboard, the A330neo features the Airspace cabin, providing passengers with a new level of comfort, ambience and design. This includes offering more personal space, larger overhead bins, a new lighting system and the ability to offer the latest in-flight entertainment systems and full connectivity. Seating has already been disclosed, with Thomson Vantage XL seats being installed in its Upper Class cabin, the Collins Aerospace MiQ seat in Premium Economy and the Recaro CL3710 in economy class.
The aircraft is configured to accommodate 262 passengers in three classes including 32 upper-class seats featuring privacy doors and two of the carrier’s new Retreat Suites.
As for the engines powering it, the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines are certified to operate with up to a 50% blend of Sustainable Air Fuel (SAF), with the delivery flight operating a 35% blend in its tanks.
Expansion ahead with the A330neo fleet
With the A330-900neo coming into the airlines fleet, there is a hint of expansion too (after the period of retirements that took out the A340-600 and Boeing 747 fleets), with Virgin Atlantic ordering more aircraft than what was due to replace.
For passengers, new aircraft are always welcoming. Combined with lower operating costs normally and better fuel efficiency, the airline will be more than happy with the type that can drop into its operation.
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