Virgin Atlantic Airways is purchasing eight A350-1000s for deliveries commencing in 2019, and a further four new aircraft on long-term leases from ALC from 2020, with an option for a fifth leased aircraft. The orders were announced on the opening day of the Farnborough show.

The aircraft will be deployed initially at London Heathrow to strengthen the trans-Atlantic network on existing business routes, and subsequently at Gatwick airport on leisure routes to the Caribbean, where Virgin Atlantic will provide three classes of customer service in the A350’s Airbus ‘Airspace’ cabin.

The A350-1000s will replace Boeing 747-400s and Airbus A340-600s in the carrier’s existing fleet.