LONDON, UK — Virgin Atlantic has announced a significant step in its fleet transformation plan with the purchase of seven new Airbus A330-900 aircraft, set for delivery starting in 2027. This move builds on the airline’s initial A330neo order from 2019, making Virgin Atlantic the first UK airline to order this aircraft type. With this latest acquisition, the airline’s total A330neo fleet will increase to 19 aircraft.
Currently, Virgin Atlantic operates five A330-900s on key routes to destinations such as New York, Boston, and Miami. The airline is set to receive an additional three A330-900s later this year and four more by the end of 2026. This expansion is part of Virgin Atlantic’s broader strategy to modernize its fleet with newer, more efficient aircraft.
As part of this modernization effort, Virgin Atlantic will begin retiring its A330-300s starting in September 2024. These planes have been part of the fleet since 2011 and will be replaced by the new A330-900s, which offer a 13% improvement in fuel and carbon efficiency.
By 2028, Virgin Atlantic aims to operate a fleet of 45 next-generation aircraft, including 19 A330-900s, 12 A350-1000s, and 14 Boeing 787-9s, with an average fleet age of just 6.4 years. The airline has also secured long-term lease extensions with AerCap for seven Boeing 787-9s, which will continue serving routes to the Caribbean, North America, and India, as well as new destinations like the Maldives and Bengaluru.
Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, expressed enthusiasm about the fleet transformation: “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 decarbonizing long-haul aviation, and we are proud to operate one of the youngest and most fuel and carbon-efficient fleets across the Atlantic.”
This fleet overhaul not only underscores Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to enhancing customer experience but also highlights its dedication to reducing the environmental impact of its operations.
