Virgin Atlantic places order for 12 Airbus A350-1000 aircrafts

Virgin Atlantic and Airbus announces an agreement on a firm order, valued at $4.4 billion, for 12 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.

It is part of a fleet modernisation program which will see 50% of Virgin Atlantic’s aircraft replaced in a six year period – creating one of the world’s youngest fleets, according to a release.

Of the 12 firm orders, eight will be purchased and four leased, as Virgin Atlantic continues its investment into increasing the mix of owned and leased aircraft in its fleet.

The aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, continues Virgin Atlantic’s investment in a greener, cleaner, quieter fleet.

The aircraft is designed to be 30% more fuel and carbon efficient than the aircraft it replaces in the fleet and is expected to reduce the airline’s noise footprint at its airports by more than half.