Virgin Atlantic welcomes first Dreamliner
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Virgin Atlantic Airways has celebrated the delivery of its first ever Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
The UK-based airline becomes the first European carrier to take delivery of the B787-9 – the extended version of the Dreamliner. It now plans to launch the new long-haul jet on flights between London Heathrow and Boston.
“The first 787-9 in Europe will be a flagship for Virgin Atlantic’s fleet, providing greatly improved efficiencies across its routes,” said Todd Nelp, Boeing’s vice president of European Sales. “The airplane, with its unique onboard features, will provide an unrivalled passenger experience, cementing Virgin Atlantic’s reputation as a true innovator in air travel.”
The new aircraft touched down at London’s Gatwick Airport on Friday 10 October 2014, following a delivery flight from Boeing’s factory in Seattle. Named ‘Birthday Girl’ in reference to Virgin Atlantic’s 30th anniversary, it is the first of 16 B787-9s ordered by the airline. These new jets will gradually replace its older Airbus A340 aircraft.
Virgin Atlantic will configure its Dreamliners with 264 seats in three classes – 31 in business class, 35 in premium economy and 198 in economy. The aircraft also comes equipped with all standard Dreamliner design features, including large windows, LED lighting, large overhead storage bins and higher cabin humidity.
Virgin Atlantic currently operates a fleet of approximately 40 aircraft on routes to North America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. Continuing its fleet modernisation, the airline also plans to introduce six Airbus A380s into its fleet in future, although deliveries of these aircraft have been postponed until 2018.
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