First Airbus A340-300 Joins the Virgin Atlantic Fleet

In 1993, we welcomed our first Airbus A340-300 into the Virgin Atlantic fleet, introducing Airbus aircraft alongside our existing Boeing 747s. Registered G-VBUS and named Lady in Red, the aircraft represented an important step in diversifying our fleet as our international route network expanded. The four-engined, long-range A340-300 offered a smaller alternative to the Boeing 747, giving us greater flexibility to serve different long-haul markets. On 6 December 1993, Diana, Princess of Wales officially named Lady in Red during a ceremony at our hangar at London Heathrow Airport, attended by Richard Branson. The occasion brought together the introduction of a new aircraft type and a royal naming ceremony, establishing a memorable connection between the A340 and Virgin Atlantic's growing identity. The arrival of the A340-300 began our relationship with Airbus as an aircraft manufacturer and broadened our options for long-haul operations. The type subsequently became an established part of our fleet, complementing the Boeing 747 as we continued to develop our international services.