Virgin Atlantic aims to deploy new generation Boeing 787-9s on key routes to the US east coast within five months of the introduction of the first aircraft next month.
The airline will be the first in Europe to take on the larger version of the Dreamliner when the first aircraft is used on the Heathrow-Boston route on October 28, marking the airline’s 30th birthday.
The airline is introducing 17 Dreamliners worth £5 billion over the next four years.
“Within five months of the Boston launch, Dreamliners will start flying on other key London to US East Coast routes,” Virgin Atlantic said.
“As the fleet grows, the aircraft will be added to longer-haul routes, where the onboard experience and fuel efficiency benefits will be even further amplified.”
Improved fuel efficiency means the aircraft will be 21% more efficient on a per flight basis than the equivalent sized aircraft in Virgin’s fleet, allowing it to improve carbon efficiency by 30% before 2020.
The 787-9 also has a 60% smaller noise footprint than aircraft of a comparable size.
Virgin Atlantic chief executive Craig Kreeger said: “For the last 30 years we’ve been proudly serving and delighting our customers, and we know the Dreamliner will set us the bar to take that even further, bringing with it new innovations and a cutting edge product for them to enjoy.
“The 787-9 will represent over half of our fleet by 2018, which demonstrates our commitment to the Dreamliner as the centrepiece of our future fleet. We are looking forward to the next 30 years.”
Virgin Atlantic is promising a new iteration of the carrier’s Upper Class Suite. The Premium Economy cabin will be refreshed with a more comfortable seat design and a social space for “mingling”.
Seats in economy are said to be “best-in-class”. Wi-fi connectivity will be available together with new in-flight entertainment and dynamic mood lighting.