Virgin signals end of the Jumbo with A350-1000 order

Virgin Atlantic announced a firm order for 12 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, worth $4.4bn, at the UK’s Farnborough Airshow. The aircraft, the largest in the A350 family and with a cargo capacity of up to 14 pallets, will replace the carrier’s remaining Boeing 747-400s and Airbus A340-600s when deliveries start in early 2019.
The new planes, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, will also be 30% more fuel and carbon efficient than the aircraft they replace and are expected to be about 50% quieter, said Boeing.
The news was welcomed by outgoing UK prime minister, David Cameron who pointed out that it would be part built in the UK, along with the engines and other components.
Virgin Atlantic chief executive, Craig Kreeger, commented: “The A350-1000 plays a pivotal role in our fleet programme, helping to create one of the youngest, cleanest, greenest fleets in the sky.”
The new aircraft will initially be deployed to US destinations from London Heathrow.