Virgin Atlantic confirms order for ten Airbus A330 aircraft

Steyr

http://www.airbus.com/en/presscentre/pressreleases/pressreleases_items/10_01_11_a330300_virgin_atlantic.html

Virgin Atlantic confirms order for ten Airbus A330 aircraft
11 January 2010


Strong investment in today's most eco-efficient aircraft

British based Virgin Atlantic Airways, has bought six A330-300 long-range aircraft from Airbus, and is leasing a further four from AerCap. The contract was formally completed on December 30th, 2009, following an initial announcement earlier in June.

The aircraft are Virgin Atlantic's first A330s, and underscores a commitment by the carrier to invest in today's most eco efficient aircraft. The aircraft will strengthen services between the United Kingdom, North America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, for both business and leisure markets.

Virgin's A330-300s will seat up to 270 in Upper Class, Premium Economy and Economy, and will be the launch aircraft for revolutionary onboard cabin innovations in every class.

"The A330s are adding immense operational flexibility to Virgin's modern fleet and at the same time fit in with our commitment to invest in today's most environmentally efficient aircraft," said Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive, Virgin Atlantic Airways.

"Coming from one of Airbus' most valued customers, this significant order is a thumbs up for our A330," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. "The A330 is a leader in aircraft reliability, comfort, and low fuel burn making it the most eco-efficient aircraft in its class."

Virgin Atlantic Airways became an Airbus operator in November 1993. To date, Virgin operates six A340-300s and 19 A340-600 aircraft. Virgin is also a customer for six A380s.

The twin engine A330 is one of the most widely used wide body aircraft in service today. To date, Airbus has won more than 1,000 orders for the various versions of the aircraft. More than 600 A330s have already been delivered and the aircraft is currently flying with over 80 airlines worldwide.

Plowman

This post has been deleted.

Bluehair

Virgins new slogan; "2 engines 2 save Co2"(c)

Foggy43

What Airbus are not saying is that the A330's will replace aircraft all ready in the fleet. All airlines are now replacing 4 engines with 2 engined wide bodies. More than likely Virgin are replacing the A340-300's and 747-400's. Both these are in service 20 years now.

It wasn't a bad idea for Virgin to cancel their A380 order but keeping options open. Airbus still have some teething problems to sort out with the A380. The availability of spare parts being a major one.

Run_to_da_hills

Foggy43 wrote: »

. The availability of spare parts being a major one.

The availibility of spares would be one of the most important aspects of making a decision on an aircraft type. O'Leary chose the 737 800 so that he would have no trouble with spares. There must be bucklets of spares for the A330 with the amount of them now in service. It would be a pity to see the end of the 747 in airports with Quantas and now Virgin phasing them out.

Barname

to thwart MOL ?

Dacian

Barname wrote: »

to thwart MOL ?

?????

Foggy43

Run_to_da_hills wrote: »

The availibility of spares would be one of the most important aspects of making a decision on an aircraft type. O'Leary chose the 737 800 so that he would have no trouble with spares. There must be bucklets of spares for the A330 with the amount of them now in service. It would be a pity to see the end of the 747 in airports with Quantas and now Virgin phasing them out.

It is the A380 that is having problems with spares. One of Singapore's A380's spent another night, last night, at LHR due to problems with #4 engine. Rolls Royce and Airbus engineers still have it surrounded. They seem confident it will depart tonight 48 hours late. Annoying to be told the part required must be 'robbed' from an aircraft on the production line.
In the good old days an AOG part urgently required could be carried on the flight deck with Captains consent, and delivered by hand. Now the part must go as cargo going through the necessary protocol. This adds a lot of time getting a part from Toulouse to LHR. From what would have taken a few hours will now in most cases take over a day.

Barname

Foggy43 wrote: »

It is the A380 that is having problems with spares. One of Singapore's A380's spent another night, last night, at LHR due to problems with #4 engine. Rolls Royce and Airbus engineers still have it surrounded. They seem confident it will depart tonight 48 hours late. Annoying to be told the part required must be 'robbed' from an aircraft on the production line.
In the good old days an AOG part urgently required could be carried on the flight deck with Captains consent, and delivered by hand. Now the part must go as cargo going through the necessary protocol. This adds a lot of time getting a part from Toulouse to LHR. From what would have taken a few hours will now in most cases take over a day.

Isnt there a Halfords close to LHR?

Shane Slv

Ya they could have booked it online and collect it instore :D:D
Ha Ha.

Id say they wont get the A330 for a while. At the moment airbus has 426 orders for the A330 yet to be delivered.