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New Virgin A330 to enter service “as planned” despite airport bingle

written by australianaviation.com.au | May 13, 2012

One of Virgin Australia's new A330s suffered minor damage when it struck another aircraft while being towed at Melbourne Airport.

Virgin Australia has had to scramble to get one of its new Airbus A330s ready for its maiden service this week after the aircraft clipped a stationary Jetstar A330 while being towed around Melbourne Airport late last week.

Virgin said the wingtip of the A330 (reported to be VH-XFC) was slightly damaged, and the carrier was reportedly having parts flown in from overseas to make repairs. A spokesman confirmed, however, that the aircraft’s entry service will go-ahead “as planned”.

Jetstar said it was assessing the damage to its aircraft (VH-EBB).

No one was hurt in the bingle, which occurred as the Virgin aircraft was towed into position in a maintenance hangar.

Virgin has taken delivery of two new A330-200s in recent weeks and will use the aircraft as its domestic flagship as it seeks to capture a larger share of the business market. Featuring 24 lie-flat business class seats and 255 economy class seats, the aircraft will be used primarily on trans-continental routes connecting Sydney and Melbourne with Perth.

Virgin already operates a pair of second-hand A330, and plans to take delivery of a third new A330 later this year.

 

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