Virgin Atlantic operated the inaugural Airbus A350-1000 aircraft into Dublin Airport on Friday 5th with G-VTEA Airbus A350-1041 msn 426 named “Rosie Lee” operating VIR521 from London Heathrow touching down at 1739 local. The aircraft departed back to London Heathrow as VIR522 at 1905 local.
The aircraft made its second visit to Dublin on Sunday 7th March operating VIR521/522. The Airbus A350-1000 operated in the lieu of the Boeing 787-9 on its twice weekly cargo service. The A350-1000 is capable of carrying up to 49 tonnes of cargo.
Virgin Atlantic cargo has been operating a twice weekly cargo service into Dublin since May 2020 enabling Ireland’s medical technology, electronics and other industries to achieve same day connections to New York JFK, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Tel Aviv and Johannesburg via London Heathrow.
G-VTEA was delivered Toulouse to Manchester on 4th December powered by Rolls Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. In a 335 seat configuration with 44 business, 56 premium economy and 235 economy seats. Virgin has 7 A350-1000 in service.
Airbus has a total of 168 A350-1000 orders with 53 delivered.
Image courtesy of Elevationair
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 7 March 2021 All Rights Reserved
