Virgin Atlantic sells six A330neo to AerCap but keeps aircraft in fleet

Virgin Atlantic has signed purchase and leaseback agreements with AerCap covering six Airbus A330-900 aircraft from the airline’s existing order book, with deliveries scheduled between the second quarter of 2026 and the fourth quarter of 2027.

The transaction does not change Virgin Atlantic’s fleet plans for the aircraft but shifts ownership to the lessor, allowing the airline to introduce the jets through operating leases rather than direct ownership.

Virgin Atlantic has 13 firm orders for the A330-900, of which only one aircraft has been delivered so far. In addition, the carrier already operates seven A330-900s on lease, making the type an increasingly important part of its long-haul fleet.

The airline currently operates six A330-300 aircraft, which offer broadly similar capacity to the A330-900 but with lower fuel efficiency and older technology.

The growing number of A330-900s entering the fleet suggests that the newer variant is likely to replace the A330-300s over time, although Virgin Atlantic has not formally confirmed a one-for-one substitution plan.

“The A330neo aircraft entering our fleet this year will debut larger Premium and Upper cabins, as well as more Retreat Suites,” said Ansar Hussain, Virgin Atlantic’s chief financial officer.

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