Virgin Atlantic’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is being prepared to enter transatlantic service after being delivered to the airline today.
The carrier is the first in Europe to take delivery of the 787-9 and plans to operate the aircraft initially on its Heathrow-Boston route.
The stretched version of the Dreamliner touched down at Gatwick today following a 4,000 nautical mile flight from the manufacturer’s base in Washington state.
The aircraft is the first of 16 Dreamliners Virgin has ordered from Boeing.
With the fuselage stretched by 20ft over the 787-8, the 787-9 will fly up to 40 more passengers an additional 450 nautical miles with 20% less fuel consumption and 20% fewer emissions than the aircraft they replace.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes European sales vice-president Todd Nelp said: “The first 787-9 in Europe will be a flagship for Virgin Atlantic’s fleet, providing greatly improved efficiencies across its routes.
“The airplane, with its unique onboard features, will provide an unrivaled passenger experience, cementing Virgin Atlantic’s reputation as a true innovator in air travel.”