Virgin Atlantic has awarded Sabena technics, a leading independent European MRO, a contract to provide base maintenance services for their Airbus A330-900 model aircraft.

The maintenance services will be carried out at Sabena technics’ Bordeaux facility for a period of more than five years. The first aircraft is expected to land in Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport in 2024.

Alain Cain, outsourced base maintenance manager of Virgin Atlantic, said: “Virgin Atlantic are thrilled to embark on this partnership with Sabena technics. Their location, experience and capability on this fleet type was a differentiator for us.”

The airline says that the A330neo are designed to be 11 per cent more fuel and carbon efficient than the A330-300 they’re replacing, therefore delivering a 50 per cent reduction in airport noise contour.

Cain added: “They [the aircraft] will form a significant part of our fleet, reaffirming our commitment to flying the cleanest, greenest fleet in the sky.”

Philippe Rochet, chief executive officer of Sabena technics, said: “We are delighted that the globally recognised Virgin Atlantic airline have chosen Sabena technics as their base maintenance provider, securing their slot positions for many years in advance.

“Virgin Atlantic has very high requirements for suppliers and services, the fact that Sabena technics has been awarded with this contract reinforces our position as the expert on next-gen aircraft at our site in Bordeaux. It is also important to highlight that Virgin Atlantic, a UK-based carrier, will be benefitting from the proximity between London and Bordeaux not only for logistics purposes, but as well globally contributing to low-carbon footprint during positional flights.”