Will Begin Operating Twin Engine Jets On Transatlantic Routes

For the first time in its history, Virgin Atlantic Airways has deployed a twin engine jet to serve on its transatlantic routes. The airline says the inaugural A330-300 passenger flight between Manchester and Orlando, FL, is part of its commitment to invest in economical aircraft. The airplane is the first to be delivered from the ten A330-300s ordered in December 2009.

"The arrival of these new aircraft over the next two years marks a period of expansion for the airline," said Julie Southern, Chief Commercial Officer for Virgin Atlantic.  "We look forward to increasing services on existing routes as well as adding new long haul routes with these new planes, (while) improving our fuel efficiency."

Virgin Atlantic's first two A330-300 aircraft will operate on "leisure" routes, and will have a two class configuration of 59 Premium Economy seats and 255 in Economy. "The A330 really is the aircraft of choice on medium to long haul routes. It offers airlines unparalleled productivity, low fuel burn and reliability, and passenger’s love it too," says John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

With a true wide-body fuselage allowing very high comfort standards, the A330-300 is able to accommodate seat and class configurations to suit diverse customer requirements. It has a range of up to 5,600 nm with a typical 300 passenger load. Airbus says orders for the aircraft stand at more than 480.

The A330 Family, which spans 200 to 400 seats for the passenger variants and also includes Freighter, VIP, and Military Transport/Tanker variants, has now attracted more than 1,100 orders.

FMI: www.airbus.com, www.virginatlantic.com