Virgin flys in face of post Brexit jitters ordering 12 Airbus widebody jets worth $4.3bn

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Airbus has bagged itself a tidy $4.3bn order from UK based Virgin Atlantic for 12 of its biggest twin-engine model jets, the A350-1000.

The airline will receive the long-range widebody jets between 2019 and 2021.

Eight of the aircraft will be delivered directly from Airbus, while four will be leased from Air Lease.

The deal sees Airbus beat Boeing to a scarce big jet order as economic and political uncertainties overshadow the Farnborough Airshow, the UK trade show which usually sees a raft of big-money deals penned by airlines and manufacturers.

Speculation amongst those ‘in the know’ appears to point towards Virgin cancelling a current order for 6 A380’s worth $2.6bn however, the official line is that Virgin are still evaluating whether to take delivery of the 6 super size jets keeping the order nominally alive.

The new order for 12 A350’s would mean terms on cancellation fees over the A380 order would be vastly different in favour of Virgin.

Airbus Chief Operating Officer John Leahy, has also hinted of more deals in the pot this week, industry ‘sources’ suggest German airline Germania, is close to placing an order with Airbus for around 25 A320-family jets, potentially worth more than $2.5 billion at list price.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Richard Brnson and a Virgin crew on board an Airbus A350 – 1000 at Farnborurgh this morning.

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Press Conference this morning

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The A350-1000s will replace the Virgin’s ageing Boeing 747-400s and Airbus A340-600s, flying to US destinations from London Heathrow and Caribbean desitnations from London Gatwick.

Prime Minister David Cameron said,

“I welcome the news of Virgin Atlantic’s investment. As well as being good news for passengers, it’s great news for jobs in the UK. The fantastic Airbus A350 is built in the UK, with Rolls-Royce engines and suppliers across the country. It’s an investment in the UK itself, and our world-beating aerospace industry.”

Craig Kreeger, CEO Virgin Atlantic said:

“The size of this order demonstrates our absolute focus on investing in the future for our customers and our people, and confirms the strength of our business. The A350-1000 plays a pivotal role in our fleet programme, helping to create one of the youngest, cleanest, greenest fleets in the sky. We’re looking forward to introducing this aircraft to our customers, as its impressive economics, fuel performance, and quiet flying offer an irresistible proposition that makes long haul travel more enjoyable and better for the environment.”

“The size of this order demonstrates our absolute focus on investing in the future for our customers and our people, and confirms the strength of our business. The A350-1000 plays a pivotal role in our fleet programme, helping to create one of the youngest, cleanest, greenest fleets in the sky. We’re looking forward to introducing this aircraft to our customers, as its impressive economics, fuel performance, and quiet flying offer an irresistible proposition that makes long haul travel more enjoyable and better for the environment.”

“This agreement allows Virgin Atlantic to set the standard on its network by being amongst the first airlines into service with the A350-1000, with an Airspace by Airbus cabin, offering superior comfort including industry leading 18″ wide seats in‎ economy,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer. “These modern, efficient A350s will complement Virgin Atlantic’s existing fleet of 10 A330-300s and offer Virgin Atlantic crews the advantage of familiarity with Airbus operating procedures around the network”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]