The Airbus A350-1000s are the largest version of the new generation twinjets and will be in two different layouts, one for the regular fleet seating up to 360 and another for leisure routes, seating 410. They will enter service from early 2019, initially on key US routes from Heathrow and replace the airline’s remaining Boeing 747s and Airbus A340-600s.

Eight of these aircraft will be purchased and four leased in a deal that is valued at $4.4 billion at list price. It means that a long-standing order for Airbus A380 double deckers, which Branson placed around a decade ago and has continuously deferred, looks certain to be cancelled.

Sir Richard had said that the A380s would have facilities including a gymnasium open to all on board the super jumbo, but has now had to settle for the smaller Airbus. Passengers on the A350 at least have the consolation that the Extra Wide Body aircraft will have economy seats that are around 18 inches wide, an inch more than normal.

Sir Richard said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the A350 to Virgin Atlantic. It is an outstanding aircraft from both a customer and sustainability point of view. Sustainable growth and meeting our carbon targets is incredibly important to us, and the aircraft’s environmental credentials were a genuine factor in our selection.”