Over the past few weeks, Virgin Atlantic (VS) has definitely been in the spotlight; after introducing the industry’s most progressive gender identity policy and announcing joining the SkyTeam alliance, Richard Branson’s carrier takes delivery of its first Airbus 330neo today.
Virgin Atlantic receives its first Airbus 330neo
The much-awaited day has finally arrived; Virgin Atlantic, the UK-based long-haul specialist, today receives its first Airbus 330neo.
The airline announced the news via a Tweet, inviting all aviation enthusiasts to follow the delivery flight from Toulouse Blagnac (TLS) to London Heathrow (LHR) on Flightradar24. Billie Holiday, this is the name of the brand new Airbus 330neo, will take off from Airbus’ delivery center at 15:00 GMT+2 and land in London at 16:00 GMT+1.
Virgin Atlantic Airbus 330neo: elevating the customer experience
In July, Virgin Atlantic revealed for the first time the specifics of its highly awaited new aircraft, the Airbus 330neo, whose promise is to provide a premium and personalized experience to its customers.
Virgin Atlantic’s signature Upper Class on the Airbus 330neo features a brand new seat, while the iconic social space, “The Loft”, has also been renovated. Additionally, The Retreat Suite, two exclusive suites at the front of the Upper Class cabin, will be the most spacious suite Virgin Atlantic has ever offered in its history. In-flight connectivity has been enhanced; Upper and Premium Class passengers will benefit from game-changing in-seat wireless charging. Customers in all other classes can enjoy Bluetooth-enabled entertainment systems, USB connections, and the airline’s fastest-ever WiFi connection.
Virgin Atlantic’s new Airbus 330neo is not just a feast for passengers but the environment as well. Indeed, the Airbus A330-900neos are 11% more carbon efficient than the Airbus 330-300 that will be phased out, and they will deliver a 50% reduction in airport noise pollution. In 2019, Virgin Atlantic became the first UK carrier to announce a firm order for 16 Airbus 330neos as part of its commitment to fly the youngest and greenest fleet in the sky.
Thanks to a multi-billion-dollar investment in fleet renovation over the last ten years, the carrier now flies a relatively young fleet. According to ch-aviation, Virgin Atlantic’s aircraft age averages 8.6 years. Currently, 68% of the fleet is of new generation, which will rise to 100% by the beginning of 2027. So far, the 68% new generation aircraft in Virgin Atlantic’s fleet has delivered a 20% reduction in fleet carbon emissions, to which another 10% must be added over the next ten years. According to ch-aviation, Virgin Atlantic currently has ten new generation aircraft on order: seven Airbus 330neos and three Airbus 350-1000.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Simple Flying
Commenting on the Airbus 330neo, Corneel Koster, Virgin Atlantic Chief Customer and Operating Officer, underlined the importance the aircraft plays in the airline’s commitment to the environment:
“The A330neo plays a significant role in our multi billion dollar fleet transformation, demonstrating our commitment to the planet. We know the most impactful thing we can do as an airline is to fly the cleanest, greenest, youngest fleet possible and the A330neo is integral to achieving this goal. It’s truly a plane for the future”
The new entry’s first route should be Boston (BOS); tickets have been on sale since August. Initially, the maiden flight was set for October 12th; however, a slight delay in the delivery of the aircraft has consequently postponed it. Nonetheless, we all can expect to see the brand new, environmentally friendly, and luxurious Virgin Atlantic Airbus 330neo take off to the skies very soon.
Simple Flying reached out to Virgin Atlantic for further comment. We will update the article with any additional announcements from the airline.
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