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Virgin Atlantic orders $2 billion worth of new Airbus aircraft
Virgin Atlantic airline has confirmed it will be ordering $2 billion (£1.35 billion) worth of new Airbus aircraft and 50 Rolls Royce engines.
The order will help secure about 3,000 British jobs at Rolls-Royce’s Derby plant and at Airbus UK’s factory in North Wales.
The new planes, which have a range of more than 7,000 miles, will replace Virgin’s current A340-300 fleet. Four aircraft will be delivered between June and October with a further six entering service by 2006. The total order is worth approximately $1.9 billion. The A340-600 will seat 319 passengers with 50 Upper Class seats, 28 in Premium Economy and 241 in Economy. This represents a 25% increase in capacity per aircraft compared to the airline’s current A340-300 fleet.
Commenting on the order, Chairman of Virgin Atlantic, Sir Richard Branson said: “We are pleased to confirm that we’ll be the launch customer for the A340-600. This order represents an endorsement of Airbus and Rolls Royce who have produced a phenomenal new aircraft and an indication of our growing confidence in the increasing demand for long haul air travel.
“This new aircraft will also fly the flag for British industry with wings by British Aerospace and Trent 500 engines from Rolls Royce. September 11 showed how crucial the aviation industry, including the manufacturing sector, is to the British economy and British jobs and I’m sure the A340-600 will be an international success.”
John Leahy, Chief Commercial Officer for Airbus commented: “Sir Richard Branson has a well known reputation for innovative marketing so we are particularly pleased that Virgin Atlantic has selected the A340-600 as its latest flagship for demanding long-haul routes.
“Airbus A340-aircraft are the market leader in long-haul travel where four-engine aircraft are demanded by passengers and pilots alike. And don’t forget: it is superbly quiet and sets new standards in environmental friendliness.”
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