Virgin Atlantic and Airbus announced an agreement on a firm order, valued at $4.4bn, for 12 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft at the Farnborough Air Show in the UK.
The investment demonstrates Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to customer experience. It is part of a fleet modernization program which will see 50 percent of Virgin Atlantic’s aircraft replaced in a six year period – creating one of the world’s youngest fleets.
Of the 12 firm orders, eight will be purchased and four leased. The aircraft will be powered by Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines. This will ensure a greener, cleaner, quieter fleet. The aircraft 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.
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.
