Virgin's history with the jet started in 2019 when the carrier announced a firm order for up to 16 A330neos — including six leased from ALC — in an effort to modernize its fleet.Virgin's new A330neo plane being painted before delivery.
"We know the most impactful thing we can do as an airline is to fly the cleanest, greenest, youngest fleet possible and the A330neo is integral to achieving this goal," Virgin CCO Corneel Koster said in a press release. "It's truly a plane for the future."
According to Airbus, the A330neo is the new generation of A330 family aircraft, burning 25% less fuel per seat and flying 1,500 nautical miles further than its predecessors.Airbus A330-900neo.
Several enhancements can be credited to the plane's improved efficiency, like its increased wing span, which is four meters longer than the current A330s...Virgin's A330-900neo in the paint shop.
The engines make the plane capable of flying on 50% sustainable aviation fuel, flying with a 35% blend during its delivery from Toulouse to London Heathrow.Fueling Virgin's A330-900neo with SAF before flying to London.
The A330neo is of particular interest to Virgin as it has a commonality with the airline's current A350-1000 fleet, which flew for the first time in 2019.Airbus A350-1000
This means that aside from about eight days’ worth of “differences training,” Virgin pilots can fly both aircraft types on any given day without needing extra instruction in a full-flight simulator.Airbus A330-900neo.
Virgin's first passenger A330-900neo flight will take off from London Heathrow to Boston on October 27, but the jet will also begin flying to Miami and Tampa by the end of the year, per Cirium data.
Before being sent to Virgin, the completed plane needed to complete a production flight to ensure it was ready for service.Virgin's A330-900neo flying a production flight.
In addition to a sleek exterior, the airline has emphasized the improvements it has made to the passenger experience on its A330neos.The A330-900neo in the paint shop.
The Upper Class cabin will feature 30 suites, all with forward-facing seats. The loungers will boast a "do not disturb" feature, a mirror, passenger-controlled mood lighting, 17.3" touchscreen TVs, and a privacy door.Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.
According to Virgin, there are two Retreat Suites situated at the front of the Upper Class cabin. It is the most spacious suite in the airline's history, boasting wireless charging and a 6'7" fully flat bed...Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.
...a 27" touchscreen inflight screen with Bluetooth connectivity...Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.
Virgin Atlantic
…and an ottoman in each that doubles as an extra seat, so up to four people can be in the suite chatting, dining, or playing games.Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.
The A330neo will also feature Virgin's signature social space known as The Loft. Eight people can occupy the room and enjoy wireless charging stations, a Bluetooth-enabled 27" touchscreen, and a new self-serve refrigerator and drink dispenser.Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.
A 46-seat Premium cabin is located behind the Upper Class section, featuring a leg rest, deep recline, a 13.3" touchscreen with Bluetooth, and in-seat wireless charging. The seats boast 38 inches pitch.Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.
Virgin's new economy seats also have large 13.3" seatback TVs with Bluetooth capabilities, as well as AC power and USB ports. The touchscreen can be controlled with the passenger's phone.Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.
There are two economy seat pitch options: 28 Economy Delight, which offers 34 inches of pitch, and 156 Economy Classic, which offers 31 inches of pitch. All cabins boast fast inflight WiFi.Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.
"We're proud to unveil our state-of-the-art A330neo and show the evolution of our customer experience, with each of our customers receiving a premium experience regardless of the cabin they travel in," Koster said.
