US$4.4bn order for new-generation aircraft will bring carrier’s ‘most capable cargo aircraft’ and a significant increase in uplift capability from 2019
Virgin Atlantic’s new US$4.4 billion order for 12 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft will mark the arrival from 2019 of the most capable cargo aircraft in its fleet and a significant increase in its cargo capacity, as well as a boost to its environmental profile.
The airline announced the order at last month’s Farnborough International Airshow 2016 in the UK as part of a fleet modernisation programme that will see 50% of Virgin Atlantic’s aircraft replaced in a six-year period, creating one of the world’s youngest fleets.
The A350-1000 is designed to be 30% more fuel and carbon efficient than the aircraft it replaces and is expected to reduce the airline’s noise footprint at airports by more than half. For Virgin Atlantic Cargo, it will also deliver a significant improvement in lower deck cargo capacity of between 10% and 22% depending on configuration.
John Lloyd, senior vice president for cargo at Virgin Atlantic, said: “We are confident the A350 will be the best cargo aircraft we’ve ever had in our fleet when we start to take delivery in early 2019. It is another demonstration of the airline’s focus on investing in the future for our customers.”
The A350-1000 will replace Virgin Atlantic’s remaining Boeing 747-400s and Airbus A340-600s and will operate on both business and leisure routes worldwide. Initially the aircraft will fly to key US destinations from London Heathrow.
Today, Virgin Atlantic flies to over 30 destinations worldwide, including locations across the US, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. It currently has 39 aircraft in its fleet with 13 787-9s, 10 A330-300s, 8 A340-600s, and 8 747-400s.