Aerospace

Virgin Atlantic takes delivery of its first A330neo

The A330 Family is the most well-liked widebody aircraft ever, and the A330neo leads the mid- to the long-range market

Virgin Atlantic recently took possession of the first Airbus A330neo it had leased from Air Lease Corporation. In addition to becoming the UK-based airline’s 50th Airbus aircraft, the A330neo will be a key component in the fleet development of the company.

In terms of passengers and routes, the A330 Family is the most well-liked widebody aircraft ever, and the A330neo leads the mid- to long-range market in terms of versatility. In comparison to competing for aircraft of a prior generation, the A330neo, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, offers double-digit lower operating costs per seat and 25 percent lower fuel burn and carbon emissions.

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The award-winning Airspace cabin, found in the A330neo, offers travelers a new level of luxury, ambiance, and design. Offering greater personal space, bigger overhead bins, a new lighting system, and the capacity to provide the newest in-flight entertainment systems and complete connectivity are just a few examples.

The A330neo, like other Airbus aircraft, has a cutting-edge cabin air system that guarantees a clean and secure atmosphere during the flight. 262 passengers in three classes, including 32 upper-class seats with privacy doors and two of the carrier’s new Retreat Suites, can board the aircraft.

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The Trent 7000 offers significant fuel-burn improvements per seat over its predecessor and will significantly reduce aircraft noise due to having the highest bypass ratio of any Trent engine. The aircraft’s delivery trip from Toulouse to London Heathrow used a 35 percent blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), however, it is approved to operate on a 50 percent blend.

Related Topics:a330 neo Airlines Virgin Atlantic

Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

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Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

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The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.