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’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.