Quantcast

Virgin Atlantic faces prolonged engine issues impacting operations

Virgin Atlantic faces prolonged engine issues impacting operations
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

Virgin Atlantic is facing ongoing challenges with the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines on its Boeing 787 fleet, according to CEO Shai Weiss. Speaking at the Airlines UK conference in London, Weiss acknowledged that these engine issues have been affecting the airline's operations and are expected to persist through 2025. The Independent reported on his remarks.

Weiss explained that maintaining the Boeing 787s demands significantly more effort compared to other aircraft in Virgin Atlantic's fleet. "We have been dealing with this for a very long time. It started from the launch of the plane. The Trent 1000 engine has not been a good engine. I’m assuming this will persist during the whole year," he stated.

The problems with the Trent 1000 engines have led Virgin Atlantic to adjust its network due to reduced capacity expectations for next year. Sources cited by The Times indicate that one of Virgin Atlantic’s Dreamliners was out of service, with expectations that two might be grounded next year.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

"We have taken measures to reduce our schedule. We’re not launching Accra and we’re delaying the restart of Tel Aviv. It’s going to hurt us financially," Weiss added.

Virgin Atlantic planned to launch daily flights from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Accra (ACC) using a Boeing 787 starting May 1, 2025, providing competition on that route. Similarly, service resumption to Tel Aviv was set for March 30, 2025, but both plans are now delayed due in part to regional instability and engine concerns.

The airline operates a fleet of seventeen Boeing 787-9 aircraft, one of which has been grounded since November at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), as confirmed by ch-aviation reports.

British Airways is also experiencing similar challenges with its own fleet and has announced reductions across its network because of Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 issues. This includes revising routes such as those between London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which will remain suspended until March 2025.

Rolls-Royce remains optimistic about future upgrades ensuring continued appeal among airline customers despite current setbacks.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The Emirates Group recently held an exhibition titled "Tomorrow Takes Flight," showcasing its sustainability initiatives in aviation.

Jul 4, 2025

Air France-KLM has announced plans to take control of SAS Scandinavian Airlines by increasing its ownership stake to 60.5% by the end of 2026.

Jul 4, 2025

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed concerns over the Global Solidarity Levy Task Force's (GSLTF) proposal to impose a premium flyer levy, citing potential negative impacts on the airline industry and broader economic...

Jul 4, 2025

American Airlines, known for its extensive network of hub airports, once operated a significant hub at St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) in Missouri.

Jul 4, 2025

Qantas Airways has reported a cyber attack targeting one of its contact centers, leading to a potential data breach affecting up to six million customers.

Jul 4, 2025

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is experiencing a significant increase in airline travel.

Jul 4, 2025