Virgin Atlantic Takes Delivery of Its First A330neo, Marking the Airline’s 50th Airbus Aircraft

Virgin Atlantic, Britain’s flag carrier, has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330neo aircraft (A330 – 900) leased from Air Lease Corporation (ALC). The A330neo aircraft will play a crucial role in the company’s fleet transformation, marking the 50th Airbus aircraft for the UK-based airline. Also Read: Virgin Atlantic Now Allows People to Wear Uniforms That Express Their True Identity

First Airline to Operate the Aircraft Type in the UK

With this aircraft delivery, Virgin Atlantic becomes the first operator of the type in the UK. The airline also has ordered 13 A330neo aircraft (six on lease from ALC) and may further expand the fleet to 16 eventually.

The Airbus A330 Family

The A330 Family is the most popular widebody aircraft ever in terms of customers and routes, while the A330neo’s flexibility in the mid-to-long-range market is matchless. Virgin Atlantic already operates nine A350 – 1000 aircraft, and the new A330 – 900 (A330neo) carries the airline’s A350 fleet commonality for its pilots and a seamless passenger experience.

Cabin Experience for Passengers

The A330neo features the award-winning 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.

State of the Art Cabin Air System

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330neo also features a state-of-the-art cabin air system ensuring a clean and safe environment during the flight.

Configuration

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. Also Read: IndiGo, Virgin Atlantic Codeshare Agreement to Benefit UK-India Flyers

Engines with 25 percent less fuel burn and Carbon Emissions

The A330neo, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, brings double-digit lower operating costs per seat and has 25 percent less fuel burn and carbon emissions when compared to previous generation competitor aircraft.

Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine

Benefitting from the highest bypass ratio of any Trent engine, the Trent 7000 offers significant fuel-burn improvement per seat compared to its predecessor and will significantly reduce aircraft noise. The engine is certified to operate on a 50 percent blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs). The A330neo delivery flight from Toulouse to London Heathrow flew with a 35 percent SAF blend.