Virgin Atlantic is increasing the number of owned aircraft in its fleet with a deal for seven new Airbus A330-900s.
They will be delivered from 2027 and are being purchased directly from Airbus as the carrier completes a multi-billion dollar fleet transformation.
The new agreement builds on an initial A330neo order made in 2019, when Virgin Atlantic became the first UK airline to commit to the aircraft type.
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The order takes the airline’s total A330neo fleet to 19 aircraft.
Virgin Atlantic currently operates five A330-900s 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.
The airline plans to gradually retire older A330-300s from September.
They joined the fleet in 2011 and will be replaced by the new A330-900s, which are designed to be 13% more fuel and carbon efficient.
Virgin Atlantic plans to operate a total of 45 next generation aircraft by 2028 comprised of 19 A330-900s, 12 A350-1000s and 14 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with an average age for the fleet of just 6.4 years.
Long-term lease extensions have also been agreed for seven B787-9s which will continue to fly on a variety of routes, including to the Caribbean, North America and India, as well as new routes to the Maldives and Bengaluru, India.
The airline’s chief executive Shai Weiss, confirming the order at the Farnborough Air Show, said: “Today, we complete our multi-billion dollar fleet transformation, with the purchase of seven additional A330-900s, which we know our customers and our people love to fly.
“Flying the youngest fleet is the most readily available and significant 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.
“Our special partnership with Airbus began with the arrival of ‘Lady in Red’ in 1993, with our most recent arrival, ‘Ruby Rebel’, arriving to mark our 40th birthday this year.
“Virgin Atlantic has flown more than 60 Airbus tails in the last three decades. While not first to the party, they’ve been our main dance partner, making our customers smile ever since.”
Airbus commercial aircraft chef executiveChristian Scherer said:“We are grateful to Virgin Atlantic for its 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.
“We look forward to continuing this smooth and successful collaboration for many years to come.”