Virgin Atlantic Airways congratulated Airbus on the reveal of its first A380 aircraft in Toulouse…
Virgin Atlantic Airways congratulated Airbus on the reveal of its first A380 aircraft in Toulouse . This aircraft, which is set to change the way people fly and the face of travel, will enter into service with Virgin Atlantic in spring 2008. Virgin Atlantic has ordered six of the aircraft with options for a further six. Including their Rolls Royce Trent 900 engines, the 12 aircraft are worth $3 billion.
Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Atlantic said:
“It is a proud moment for Airbus to unveil the first A380, a momentous day in aviation`s history and an exciting opportunity for airlines to create new ways of flying for our passengers.
“Virgin Atlantic`s A380s are going to be bigger and better than any aircraft which has preceded them with bigger and better cabins for all our passengers. For both business and economy travellers we will be introducing a range of new features. Our innovations will ensure a better travel experience for everyone by utilising the space we have to play with to give our passengers more to play with too!
“We have proved with previous aircraft that we set new standards. Virgin Atlantic was the first airline to offer individual TV screens and a choice of channels to all passengers, the first and only airline to introduce an onboard bar and inflight beauty therapists as well as a dedicated snooze zone for business class passengers. Virgin Atlantic was also the first airline to offer Premium Economy – a super economy service for full fare economy passengers, which has since been copied by other airlines and the revolutionary Upper Class Suite, which provides the passenger with a luxury leather armchair to relax on which then flips over into a separate bed with a mattress to sleep on.
“We have been waiting for some new technologies which are now on the cusp of commercial application so that we can make our A380`s flying from 2008 the most radically different in the sky! Our planes will not just be bigger but also better than those which have flown before.”
Virgin Atlantic plans to take delivery of its six A380 from May 2008 with the final aircraft being delivered in February 2010. The airline plans to operate the aircraft to JFK, Hong Kong, Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Tokyo. Virgin Atlantic`s A380s will have over 500 seats and will be configured in the airline`s three award winning classes: Upper Class; Premium Economy and Economy.
The A380 will give Virgin Atlantic some relief from the problems of airport congestion. Virgin Atlantic already utilises slots more effectively than any other airline. At Heathrow the average number of passenger per flight is 145 while Virgin currently carries 250. The A380 aircraft would be likely to carry an average of over 400 passengers per flight and could increase the airline`s average to around 300 at least.
Virgin Atlantic is working with airports around the world to ensure they will be able to accommodate the aircraft. Work is well under way at London Heathrow where the BAA has committed £450m to ensure the airport will be ready for the A380 and expects to accommodate more A380 flights than any other airport worldwide. Virgin Atlantic had concerns about LA Airport`s ability to meet the requirements of the A380 but understand that LA Airport`s master-plan has now been approved by the LA city council and hopes that all necessary works will start at the airport during 2005.
The A380 will have a range of over 8000 nm with a full passenger payload.
Efficient Rolls Royce Trent 900 engines will provide new levels of fuel efficiency and reduction in emissions when compared to current in-service aircraft types. In fact, its environmental performance is unmatched as it produces only half the normal take-off noise while at the same time carrying approximately 30% more passengers than the current largest passenger aircraft. This new technology will enable the direct operating costs to be lower per seat than its nearest rival.
The aircraft is also the first to be developed incorporating advanced flight deck technology which enables the flight crew to have all required safety, operating and maintenance information available to them via an integral “on-board information system” – computerized and fully paperless.
With its distinctive 80 m wingspan and double deck fuselage design the A380 will soon be recognised around the world as it takes up the position of commercial aviation`s first flagship aircraft of the 21st century.
Virgin Atlantic has been involved in the programme since its conception. As a member of the airline focus group Virgin Atlantic has worked with Airbus to help define the aircraft that we see today, thereby trying to ensure that it meets the needs of both Virgin Atlantic and other airlines. Our inputs in both the overall aircraft definition and in particular the interior environment will have enabled Airbus to introduce an aircraft suited to the requirements of passengers and airlines for many years to come.
Sir Richard Branson commented:
“We appreciate that some say that size doesn`t matter but we`re proud to say that – unlike other British airlines – Virgin Atlantic will have both the longest (the A340-600) and the biggest aircraft in the sky!”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
