Virgin Atlantic has ordered 12 Airbus A350 XWBs as the UK airline looks to modernise its fleet.
The deal between Virgin and Airbus was announced during the Farnborough International Airshow on Monday (July 11).
Virgin is buying eight A350-1000s, which will start being delivered in 2019, as well as securing another four aircraft on long-term lease deals from 2020. Virgin said it planned to operate three classes of travel on these new aircraft.
The airline, which is 49 per cent owned by US carrier Delta, said the new aircraft would be initially deployed at Heathrow on its transatlantic routes before later being introduced for its leisure-orientated services from Gatwick.
Craig Kreeger, Virgin Atlantic’s CEO, said: “The size of this order demonstrates our absolute focus on investing in the future for our customers and our people, and confirms the strength of our business.
“The A350-1000 plays a pivotal role in our fleet programme, helping to create one of the youngest, cleanest, greenest fleets in the sky.
“We’re looking forward to introducing this aircraft to our customers, as its impressive economics, fuel performance, and quiet flying offer an irresistible proposition that makes long haul travel more enjoyable and better for the environment.”