Virgin Atlantic Accelerates A330‑300 Retirement, Transfers Five to SAS

Virgin Atlantic has moved to pull its remaining Airbus A330‑300 aircraft from service ahead of the originally scheduled timetable. Five A330‑300s will leave the British carrier’s fleet and are bound for Scandinavian airline SAS, marking the first major transfer of the type to a European operator. The move follows a separate agreement that will see two Boeing 787‑9s transferred to LOT Polish Airlines in 2027. By removing the A330‑300s earlier than planned, Virgin Atlantic can streamline its fleet composition and focus on newer aircraft types. SAS will receive the older widebodies, adding them to its existing fleet and potentially expanding its service capabilities. The transfer underscores a broader trend of fleet rationalisation among European carriers.