Virgin Atlantic will launch on-board email and text services on Blackberrys, handheld PDAs and other mobile devices for passengers on some services starting in 2011, the airline has announced.

The news came as the carrier announced a $2.1 billion order for 10 new Airbus A330-300 aircraft, adding to its 38-strong fleet, which will be delivered from early 2011.

The new A330s will have an updated in-flight entertainment system, including USB ports and power sockets throughout Upper Class and Premium Economy, as well as the ability to use personal devices for data, but not voice, functions.

The carrier claims that it will be the first UK long-haul airline to roll-out this service across its fleet, although British Airways is to offer data services to passengers on its new all-business service from London City to New York JFK, which starts on 29 September.

Virgin says the new plane will allow it serve new destinations from London such as Beijin, Cancun and Vancouver.

Virgin America is in the process of installing Aircell's Gogo inflight wi-fi system on its entire fleet, although there is no indication at this stage over who will provide Virgin Atlantic's services. BA's London City-JFK data services will be provided by OnAir.