As it continues to expand its operations, Virgin America remains committed to sustainability. When the time came to purchase new aircraft, the airline signed a contract for 10 Airbus A321neo airplanes, which operate up to 20 percent more efficiently than the current Virgin fleet and use significantly less fuel than other single-aisle aircraft. The 10 new aircraft will join the permanent Virgin fleet starting in the first quarter of 2017.

1. David Pflieger

2.  As it continues to expand its operations, Virgin America
remains committed to sustainability. When the time
came to purchase new aircraft, the airline signed a
contract for 10 Airbus A321neo airplanes, which
operate up to 20 percent more efficiently than the
current Virgin fleet and use significantly less fuel than
other single-aisle aircraft. The 10 new aircraft will join
the permanent Virgin fleet starting in the first quarter of
2017.
With this addition, Virgin will become one of the first
airlines in the world to operate the A321neo aircraft
with CFM International LEAP-1A engines.

3.  The engines, which produce nitrogen oxide
emissions 50 percent below the limits set by the
Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection,
are significantly quieter than options currently in
operation.
The new aircraft will also feature Sharklet wingtips,
which are already installed on the newest Virgin
aircraft and which have significant fuel-saving
benefits. In total, the new aircraft should cut annual
carbon dioxide emissions by 5,000 tons due to the
increased fuel efficiency.