United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Virgin Atlantic to ‘double fleet’ in five years
Virgin Atlantic is to double its fleet in five years with a £1.24 billion order for new aircraft.
The carrier is reported to have placed orders for 13 Airbus A340s plus options on another 13.
The first batch of the 306-seat aircraft are due for delivery between 2006 and 2008 as the carrier aims to double passenger carryings from four million to eight million in the next five years.
According to the Financial Times, Virgin Atlantic plans to create 5,000 new jobs to its 7,500-strong workforce due to the expansion from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester.
Sister tour operator Virgin Holidays is being tipped for long haul leisure growth from Manchester as part of the plans.
Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson is reported as saying the group would add capacity to the US, China, Japan, India, the Caribbean and Africa in addition to routes to new destinations.
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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