Virgin Atlantic to buy 8 Airbus A350-1000s

FARNBOROUGH, England - Virgin Atlantic Airways will buy eight A350-1000s from Airbus in deal that also involves four new aircraft on lease terms.

The A350-1000s are scheduled for delivery starting in 2019 and four aircraft on long-term leases will start in 2020. There will be a lease option for a fifth aircraft. Terms were not disclosed.

The aircraft will be deployed initially at London Heathrow to strengthen the company's trans-Atlantic network and subsequently at Gatwick airport on routes to the Caribbean.

"The A350-1000 plays a pivotal role in our fleet program, helping to create one of the youngest, cleanest, greenest fleets in the sky," said Virgin Atlantic CEO Craig Kreeger.