Fleet
From Virgin Atlantic Info
Virgin Atlantic currently operate a modern long haul fleet, consisting of 38 Airbus and Boeing aircaft.
Below is a summary of the Virign Atlantic Fleet as of May 2009:
| Aircraft | Total | Orders | Options | Passenger Capacity (Economy/Premium Economy/Upper) | Entry Into Service | Exit From Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus 330-300 | 10 | 0 | 0 | TBA | 2011 | N/A |
| Airbus 340-300 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 240 (171/35/34) | 1993 | 2011 |
| Airbus 340-600 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 308 (225/38/45) | 2002 | N/A |
| Airbus 380-800 | 0 | 6 | 6 | TBA | 2013 | N/A |
| Boeing 747-400 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 344 (228/62/54) 451 (379/58/14) 452 (380/58/14) | 1994 | N/A |
| Boeing 787-9 | 0 | 15 | 8 | TBA | 2013 | N/A |
Virgin Atlantic's current average fleet age is : 7.8 years
In the past Virgin Atlantic has operated a variety of different aircraft, details of which can be found on the Previous Fleet page.
Contents |
Airbus 340-300
The Airbus 340-300 is designed with passenger comfort and fuel efficiency in mind. Virgin Atlantic has 6 Airbus A340-300 series aircraft and predominantly uses them on routes which have less demand.
Click below for information on each of Virgin's A340-300 aircraft:-
Airbus 340-600
Virgin Atlantic was the launch customer of the Airbus 340-600 and it is the backbone of the Virgin fleet. The aircraft itself is currently the longest passenger airliner in the world having a length of 75.3m, it also has extremely thin wings compared to it's competitors which gives the A340-600 an innovative aerodynamic design. These aircraft are used on most routes from London Heathrow and are especially suited to high demand business routes.
Click below for information on each of Virgin's A340-600 aircraft:-
- G-VATL
- G-VBLU
- G-VBUG
- G-VEIL
- G-VFIT
- G-VFIZ
- G-VFOX
- G-VGAS
- G-VGOA
- G-VMEG
- G-VNAP
- G-VOGE
- G-VRED
- G-VSHY
- G-VSSH
- G-VWEB
- G-VWIN
- G-VWKD
- G-VYOU
Airbus 380-800
The "superjumbo" took to the skies in 2007 and is currently being flown by some of the world's prestigious airlines. Virgin Atlantic is soon expected to join the elite few in operating the A380. Due to enter service in 2013 it is expected to be used on very popular routes with high demand and possibly replace some of the older B747-400 aircraft in the Virgin Atlantic fleet.
Due to the current economic climate these aircraft have been deferred and a decision will be made in the future as to whether the delivery of the "superjumbo" A380 will go ahead.
Boeing 747-400
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Boeing 747-400 series aircraft is the main operator of Virgin Atlantic's leisure routes form Both London Gatwick and Manchester. They are also used to operate flights on popular business routes from London Heathrow because of their ability to carry high numbers of passengers efficiently. The Boeing 747 has been in service for 40 years and has proven to be very popular among airlines for decades. Uniquely the Boeing 747-400 is very flexible and can be used for both low density business routes and high density leisure routes, operating both, very efficiently.
Click below for information on each of Virgin's B747-400 aircraft:-
Boeing 787-9
The Boeing 787-9 is due to join the Virgin Atlantic fleet in 2013. Unfortunately a number of delays in production have pushed back the launch of this new aircraft by 2 years; however it is expected to fly for the first time in the second quarter of 2009. The B787 is 27% more fuel efficient when compared to the A340-300 and has a reduced noise footprint of 60% compared to aircraft of a similar size. Uniquely the B787 is made up of more composites than any other aircraft and uses the most advanced technology. Some of this technology includes cabin air control to make the passengers flight more comfortable and reduce the affects of pressurisation.
Virgin Atlantic plan to use the B787-9 to replace the A340-300 and expand its route network. The long range capabilities of the aircraft mean routes such as Perth and Hawaii are currently under consideration. The aircraft like the B747 has great flexibility and can be efficient carrying high numbers of leisure passengers and low numbers of business passengers. This makes the B787 ideal for Virgin Atlantic as it provides the airline with the flexibility to react to the market at the time.