Virgin Atlantic celebrates the A380 reveal

The new A380 aircraft revealed in Toulouse today will enter Virgin Atlantic's service in spring 2008. The British carrier 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 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 three classes: Upper Class; Premium Economy and Economy.

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 is aiming 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 8000nm with a full passenger payload, and 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.

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!”

See other recent news regarding: Virgin Atlantic, A380