Farnborough: Virgin America orders 40 A320s

Virgin America and Airbus signed (22-Jul-2010) a non-binding MoU covering 40 new A320 aircraft, with options for an additional 20. The new aircraft are to delivered from 2013 through 2016 at an average rate of 10 p/a. The options are for delivery in 2017-2018. Virgin America expects its fleet to grow from 28 aircraft to 90 aircraft by 2016 - 21.5% p/a. Virgin America also confirmed it plans to fit new "sharklet" wing-tip devices from the end of 2012. The airline plans to announce its choice of engines for the aircraft once the purchase is finalised. [more - Virgin America] [more - Airbus]