Virgin Atlantic has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330neo leased from Air Lease Corporation (ALC) as a part of the airline’s fleet transformation strategy. The occasion also marked the delivery of the 50th Airbus aircraft for Virgin making the airline the first operator of A330neo in the UK. Virgin has ordered 13 A330neo with six on lease from ALC with the intention to expand the fleet to 16 of the aircraft type.
Virgin already operated nine A350-1000 aircraft, so the new A330neo will bring fleet commonality for its pilots.
The A330neo is powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine which promises double-digit lower operating costs per seat, with significant reduction in noise levels, and has 25% less fuel burn and carbon emissions compared to previous generation competitor aircraft, the airline claims.
Virgin Atlantic's new A330 is fitted with the Airbus Airspace cabin, with large overhead bins, a new lighting system and the latest in-flight entertainment with full connectivity.
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.