Virgin Atlantic has placed a firm order for seven more A330neo aircraft, bringing its total commitment for the model to 19 planes.
The deal was announced at the Farnborough Airshow aboard Virgin Atlantic’s A330neo named ‘Ruby Rebel’, which celebrates the airline’s 40th anniversary.
Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said the order completes the airline’s multi-billion-dollar fleet transformation.
“Flying the youngest fleet is the most readily available and significant lever towards decarbonising long-haul aviation and we are proud to already operate one of the youngest and most fuel and carbon efficient fleets across the Atlantic,” Mr Weiss said.
The A330neo features the Airspace cabin, offering passengers more individual space, larger overhead bins, and new lighting and entertainment systems.
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Executive Officer for Commercial Aircraft, said the A330neo delivers “unbeatable operational seat mile cost” and enhances Virgin Atlantic’s fleet efficiency and sustainability.
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330-900 can fly 7,200 nautical miles (13,300 km) non-stop.
The A330 Family had received 1,798 firm orders from over 130 customers worldwide by the end of June 2024, including 319 A330neo orders from 30 customers.
All Airbus aircraft, including the A330 family, can currently operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims to make its aircraft capable of using 100% SAF by 2030.
Virgin Atlantic has flown more than 60 Airbus aircraft over the past three decades, with its first Airbus plane, ‘Lady in Red’, arriving in 1993.
