Virgin Atlantic to Take Delivery of the New Airbus A340-600 In June 2002

    NORWALK, CT--February 20, 2002--Virgin Atlantic Airways today confirmed that it will be the launch customer of the new Airbus A340-600 with the first aircraft entering service in June 2002.
    Four aircraft will be delivered between June and October with a further six entering service by 2006. The total order is worth approximately $1.9 billion. The A340-600 will seat 319 passengers with 50 Upper Class seats, 28 in Premium Economy and 241 in Economy. This represents a 25% increase in capacity per aircraft compared to the airline's current A340-300 fleet, which will be replaced by the new aircraft.
    Commenting on the forthcoming delivery Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Atlantic, said:

    "We are pleased to confirm that we'll be the launch customer
    for the A340-600. This order represents an endorsement of
    Airbus and Rolls Royce who have produced a phenomenal new
    aircraft and is a clear indication of our growing
    confidence in the increasing demand for long-haul air
    travel.

    "This new aircraft will also fly the flag for British industry
    with wings by British Aerospace and Trent 500 engines from
    Rolls Royce. September 11 showed how crucial the aviation
    industry, including the manufacturing sector, is to the
    international economy and I'm sure the A340-600 will be a
    worldwide success."

    The new aircraft has cockpit commonality with the current A340, which reduces flight deck retraining and provides the airline with increased revenue potential through higher capacity and reduced seat mile costs. The A340-600 has a range of 7,300 nm/13,500 km and will be deployed on routes with growing passenger demand such between London and the US West Coast and between London and the Far East.

    John Leahy, Chief Commercial Officer for Airbus commented:

    "Sir Richard Branson has a well known reputation for
    innovative marketing so we are particularly pleased that
    Virgin Atlantic has selected the A340-600 as its latest
    flagship for demanding long-haul routes.

    "Airbus A340-aircraft are the market leader in long-haul
    travel where four-engine aircraft are demanded by
    passengers and pilots alike. And don't forget; it is
    superbly quiet and sets new standards in environmental
    friendliness."

    John Cheffins, Chief Operating Officer, Rolls-Royce, said:

    "We are delighted to have this opportunity to launch the Trent
    500 into service with Virgin Atlantic. The event will not
    only re-energize our industry, but will also be a proud
    occasion for British enterprise and engineering. If the
    results of our joint development program with Airbus are
    any guide, the A340-600 and the Trent 500 represents a
    combination which will fully meet the high expectations of
    Virgin Atlantic and its passengers."

    Branson added:

    "Today's announcement coupled with last week's announcing
    frequency increases this summer is a tribute to everyone
    at Virgin Atlantic who has helped the company come through
    the challenges of the last few months.

    "These new aircraft will ensure Virgin operates the youngest
    fleet of aircraft across the North Atlantic, all of which
    are equipped with our award winning new seats. We only fly
    four engine aircraft on intercontinental routes. This
    costs us more than other airlines, but we know from
    talking to passengers that it increases their confidence.

    "Although we need to maintain a tight control on our costs we
    can look to the future with increasing confidence. We are
    now in a position to expand and exploit new opportunities
    in the months ahead."

    For further information and images of the new aircraft please contact the Virgin Atlantic Press Office on (888) 800-5647 or log onto www.virgin-atlantic.com