Virgin America Signs MoU for 40 Airbus

Virgin America and Airbus have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding for 40 Airbus A320 aircraft. The order will triple Virgin America’s fleet going forward.

 The airline indicated it would announce its choice of engines for the additional aircraft once the purchase agreement is finalized.

Virgin America already operates 28 Airbus aircraft (10 A319s and 18 A320s) and will put a total of 22 more purchased and leased A320s into service by the end of 2012. Once finalized, the MoU will expand the Virgin America fleet to a total of 90 Airbus aircraft.

With this MoU, Virgin America may choose the new, fuel-saving “Sharklet” option that is available beginning in late 2012 on A320 aircraft. Sharklets are large wing-tip devices that will enhance the eco-efficiency and payload-range performance of the A320 Family.

Offered as a forward-fit option, they are expected to result in at least 3.5% reduced fuel burn over longer sectors, corresponding to an annual reduction of around 700 metric tons of carbon dioxide per aircraft.

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