By 2024, the Virgin Atlantic fleet’s fuel efficiency could improve by 32 per cent
Virgin Atlantic is about to become the UK’s first airline to have Airbus A330-900neos in its fleet. With 14 new aircraft ordered from the European manufacturer — and additional six as options — the carrier aims to emphasise its commitment to flying the “cleanest, greenest fleet in the sky”.
The new A330-900neos are designed to be 13 per cent more fuel and carbon efficient than the A330-300 they replace and will deliver a 50 per cent reduction in airport noise contour. Over a ten year period, 2014–2024, the fuel efficiency of Virgin Atlantic’s fleet will have improved by 32 per cent.
“The acquisition of 14 A330neos will play a pivotal role in our fleet transformation and it is a testament to our sustainability commitment,” said Virgin Atlantic CEO, Shai Weiss.
The youngest fleet in the skies
Virgin Atlantic considers the order — valued at $4.1 billion — a crucial step in its fleet transformation programme which should see 100 per cent of the airline’s planes replaced over a ten year period.
With the average age of just 5.3 years, Virgin Atlantic will pride itself with one of the youngest fleets in the skies.
In addition to announcing new aircraft, Virgin Atlantic has unveiled details of its long-awaited Airbus A350-1000 plane.
The aircraft that will operate on the airline’s flagship Heathrow–New York JFK route includes an entirely new Upper Class cabin, featuring a brand new suite and social space.
The airline has also revealed further steps in its growth strategy. Virgin Atlantic will soon kick off its 27th daily service from London Heathrow and its third new route announcement this year.
Flights to Tel Aviv, Israel and Mumbai, India should launch in September and October 2019 respectively, and with flights to São Paulo, Brazil starting in 2020, the airline marks its first venture into South America.
