Airbus A330-300 Enters Virgin Atlantic Service

On 2 April 2011, we introduced the Airbus A330-300 into scheduled passenger service, with the aircraft's inaugural commercial flight operating between Manchester and Orlando, Florida. The first aircraft, registered G-VSXY and named Beauty Queen, became our first twin-engine widebody jet to operate transatlantic services, representing an important development in our long-haul fleet strategy. Until then, our long-haul operations had relied on four-engine Boeing 747 and Airbus A340 aircraft. The A330-300 was introduced as part of an order for ten aircraft placed in December 2009. The first two aircraft were configured with 59 Premium Economy seats and 255 Economy seats, serving leisure routes while later deliveries were planned to include our Upper Class cabin. Passengers benefited from updated cabin interiors and a new touchscreen inflight entertainment system, providing a more modern onboard experience. The aircraft also supported our efforts to improve operational efficiency. Compared with the Airbus A340-300, the A330-300 was expected to use approximately 15% less fuel per seat, while offering flexibility to develop services across North America, Africa, the Middle East and India. Its introduction broadened our fleet options and began the transition towards twin-engine aircraft becoming a larger part of our long-haul operations.