Virgin America orders 60 Airbus A320s, including 30 A320neo aircraft

Virgin America (San Francisco) today announced a firm order for 60 new Airbus A320 aircraft to be delivered starting in 2013, including 30 of the A320neo aircraft – the first commercial order for the new eco-efficient engine option. This formalizes and expands an initial commitment made at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2010. Today’s announcement of the new fuel-saving A320neo is a new development in that deal. Virgin America is the launch customer for the new eco-efficient Airbus A320neo aircraft, which promises to be one of the most fuel and carbon-efficient commercial aircraft in the world. With today’s order and growth from other sources, Virgin America’s fleet will more than triple in size – from its current 34 aircraft to 111 aircraft by 2019.

The 30 current technology A320s are slated for delivery from 2013-2016. The neo option was launched in late 2010, and the 30 neo aircraft are slated for first delivery in early 2016. The A320neo will offer 15 percent gains in fuel efficiency, along with the accompanying improvements in carbon efficiency – including double digit reductions in NOx emissions. The A320neo offers reduced engine noise, lower operating costs and up to 500 nautical miles more range. Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson and Virgin America President and CEODavid Cush, today join Airbus CEO Tom Enders and Airbus COO Customers John Leahy, to make the announcement alongside one of the new aircraft during the Airbus annual press conference at Toulouse, France. Video of the event is available at: www.airbus.com/broadcastroom.

Since its 2007 launch, Virgin America has operated a new Airbus A320 Family fleet. Seating configuration on the new aircraft will remain the same as the carrier’s current 146-149 seat A320s, which offer an international-grade First Class cabin and unique Main Cabin and Main Cabin Select services. As with all of Virgin America’s fleet, the new aircraft will undergo modifications to offer the airline’s signature mood-lit interiors, touch-screen entertainment and upscale design features. The upgraded neo aircraft will feature 95 percent airframe commonality with the original A320 Family, offering a seamless fit into the existing Virgin America fleet. Virgin America has not yet announced its engine choice on the order.

It is estimated that the A320neo’s fuel efficiency will yield an average annual savings of $1.1 million per aircraft. The neo will employ wing tip devices called “Sharklets,” which enhance the eco-efficiency and payload-range performance of the A320. The A320neo will emit 3,600 fewer tons of CO2 per aircraft on an annual basis.

(L – R: Virgin America President and CEO David Cush, John Leahy, COO Customers Airbus, Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson and Tom Enders, CEO Airbus).

Virgin America President and CEO, David Cush and Virgin Group Founder, Sir Richard Branson announce a firm order for 60 new Airbus A320 aircraft to be delivered starting in 2013, including 30 of the A320neo aircraft – alongside one of the new aircraft during the Airbus annual press conference at Toulouse, France. This is first commercial order for the new eco-efficient engine option.