Virgin Atlantic names Airbus its ‘dancing partner’ with A330 order
Day two of the airshow got off to a flying start for Airbus, with Virgin Atlantic, which is this year celebrating its 40th anniversary, confirming an order for seven of its A330-900s with delivery expected from 2027. The deal includes Virgin having purchase rights for up to nine of the aircraft type.
The new order builds on Virgin’s initial A330neo order made in 2019, when it became the first UK airline to order the aircraft type. It also follows a US$17bn fleet transformation, which sees the airline operate one of the youngest and cleanest fleets across the Atlantic.
Cementing Virgin’s partnership with Airbus, Shai Weiss, Virgin Atlantic CEO described the airframe manufacturer as its “main dancing partner” during a press briefing on board its new Ruby Rebel, named after Sir Richard Branson on Tuesday 23 July.
Describing the A330-900 as an aircraft ifs customers love to fly, Weiss said: “Today we complete our multi-billion-dollar fleet transformation with the purchase of seven additional A330-900s.” He added that flying the youngest fleet is a key lever towards decarbonising long-haul aviation and we are proud to operate one of the youngest and most fuel and carbon efficient fleets across the Atlantic.”
As part of its fleet transformation Weiss confirmed that by 2028 the airline plans to operate a total of 45 next generation aircraft comprised of 19 A330-900s, 12 A350-1000s and 14 787-9s and an average age for the fleet of just 6.4 years.
The order takes the airline’s total A330neo fleet to 19, with Virgin already operating five A330-900s flying to destinations including New York, Boston and Miami, with a further three to be delivered later this year and four more by the end of 2026.
Airbus CEO of commercial aircraft business, Christian Scherer joined Weiss for the briefing celebrating the “great partnership” between the two companies and expressing his gratitude to Virgin for the decision to expand its A330neo fleet as part of its strategy to have the youngest fleet across the Atlantic.
“The A330neo not only delivers unbeatable operational seat mile cost and an exceptional passenger experience, it also greatly enhances Virgin Atlantic’s fleet efficiency and contributes to their sustainability journey,” said Scherer.
He also commented that the A330 has seen the OEM’s highest ramp up in terms of orders as he said “it’s comparable with Boeing’s 787 model, but favourably so.”
In the year that Virgin marks its 40th anniversary, the airline has paid homage to its founder, naming its latest aircraft ‘Ruby Rebel’ in his honour. The aircraft, which is being displayed on the static, features a brand-new flying icon, inspired by Branson’s rebellious spirit that has always driven Virgin to do things differently. The icon includes nods to the famous entrepreneur’s business ventures, including Virgin Records pin badges, a Virgin Galactic rocket on the belt’s buckle and a Virgin Voyage anchor on the icon’s boot.
