Virgin America to acquire 10 new Airbus A321neos

San Francisco – Virgin America has agreed to acquire 10 new Airbus A321neo aircraft, which are up to 20% more fuel and carbon efficient than the airline’s current fleet and which will help further reduce operating unit costs and increase revenue opportunities. The 10 new A321neos (short for New Engine Option) are slated for delivery beginning in the first quarter of 2017 continuing through the third quarter of 2018, and will be leased from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS).

 

With this delivery schedule, Virgin America is expected to be among the first airlines globally to operate A321neo aircraft powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines. The new neo engine offers half the noise footprint compared to the ceo engine option. The aircraft will come equipped with fuel-saving Sharklet wingtip devices, and the aircraft promise nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions that are 50% below regulatory limits outlined by the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP). In addition, the aircraft promise to deliver up to 20% reduced fuel burn over current generation aircraft per seat, which is equivalent to cutting 5,000 tons of CO2 emissions per plane every year.

 

The aircraft will be configured for Virgin America to include 185 total seats, roughly 24% more seating capacity than the airline’s existing A320 aircraft.

 

“As Virgin America continues to grow its network, there’s no question the Airbus A321neo is the right aircraft for us, and we were pleased to work with GECAS to make today possible,” said Virgin America President and CEO David Cush. “Not only will these aircraft allow us to further reduce our unit costs and improve our revenue position, they demonstrate our continued commitment to reducing carbon emissions and creating an even more sustainable airline.”

 

“At the heart of each Virgin company, including Virgin America, is the idea that great business performance and innovation can and must go hand-in-hand with a drive to make things better for the planet and its people. This aircraft order is a good example of that spirit in action,” said Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson.

 

“We have been a partner with Virgin America since their founding and we’re thrilled they turned to GECAS to help them expand their fleet with new, more efficient aircraft under lease,” said Norman C.T. Liu, GECAS president and CEO.

 

All 10 aircraft are part of GECAS’ existing orderbook with Airbus.

 

Virgin America currently operates a fleet of 58 Airbus A320 family aircraft comprised of A319 and A320 aircraft equipped with original “ceo” engine options. By mid-2016, Virgin America will have taken delivery of five additional A320ceos, bringing the total size of Virgin America’s fleet to 63 aircraft before the new A321neos begin to arrive in 2017.

 

Virgin America is a U.S.-controlled, owned, and operated airline. It is an entirely separate company from Virgin Atlantic. Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin group is a minority share investor in Virgin America.