Virgin Atlantic, as all Virgin brands, has its very distinctive feel that sets it apart from any other carrier. Therefore, the order announced at the Farnborough air show couldn’t have been anything but unique. An order that further consolidates the relationship with Airbus and that celebrates the airline’s 40 years of flight.
The new Virgin Atlantic A330 deal Announced at Farnborough
Virgin Atlantic has been quite a precious customer for Airbus. The airline has even invested in some of the most unpopular planes the firm has produced. Just to mention one the A340-600, a fantastic plane to fly in that was just a little late for the quad-jet party. I personally loved flying on it. I didn’t specifically fly the Virgin Atlantic one, but I did the Thai Airways, and it was a magnificent plane to fly on.
However, lets come back to today after that little walk down memory lane. Aboard the latest addition to the VS fleet, the G-VSRB registered Airbus A330-900neo so registered in honor of Sir Richard Branson and named Ruby Rebel, an announcement was made.
The british carrier has decided to commit further to the A330neo family of jets by adding to its order with Airbus another 7 aircraft of the type. That will bring the carrier’s overall commitment to 19 units of the A330-900.
The 900 variant is the more popular among airlines of the two A330neo produced. It will probably be fitted with the same cabin interiors featuring:
- 32 Upper Class (Business class) seats in a 1-2-1 layout – Thompson Vantage XL seats
- 46 Premium Economy Seats in a 2-3-2 layout
- 184 Economy Class Seats
Celebrating 40 Years of Flight
The new Airbus A330neo order was another chance to celebrate with a much bigger crowd the 40 years of the airline entering operations. Virgin Atlantic commenced operations back in 1984 with a first flight from London Gatwick airport to New York Newark Liberty Airport. Legend has it Sir Richard Branson started the airline following an unsatisfactory experience on another airline. In that occasion he allegedly was told to start his own airline if unsatisfied. After purchasing a used 747 that’s exactly what he did. The cost of a ticket on that first service? 99 pounds.
