Virgin Atlantic takes delivery of first A330neo Retreat Suite showcase
Virgin Atlantic has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330neo aircraft, the 50th Airbus aircraft for the UK-based airline.
The A330neo features the award-winning Airspace cabin, providing passengers with a new level of comfort, ambience and design. This includes offering more personal space, larger overhead bins, a new lighting system and the ability to offer the latest in-flight entertainment systems and full connectivity.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330neo also features a state-of-the-art cabin air system ensuring a clean and safe environment during the flight. The aircraft is configured to accommodate 262 passengers in three classes including 32 upper-class seats featuring privacy doors and two of the carrier’s new Retreat Suites.
Virgin Atlantic will become the first operator of the type in the UK, and has ordered 13 A330neo aircraft – six on lease from ALC – with an intention to expand the fleet to 16 eventually.
The A330neo, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, has 25% less fuel burn and carbon emissions compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. Benefitting from the highest bypass ratio of any Trent engine, the Trent 7000 offers significant fuel-burn improvement per seat compared to its predecessor and will significantly reduce aircraft noise. It is certified to operate on a 50 percent blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs); the aircraft’s delivery flight from Toulouse to London Heathrow flew with a 35 percent SAF blend.