Virgin Atlantic Sells Two Boeing 787-9s

Virgin Atlantic has agreed to sell two of its Boeing 787-9 aircraft to LOT Polish Airlines. The transfer will be completed in 2027.

This sale is part of a wider reduction in Virgin Atlantic's Dreamliner fleet. The airline is cutting its total number of 787-9s from 17 to 14 jets. Seven of the remaining aircraft will have long-term lease extensions.

Fleet Shift to Airbus Aircraft

Virgin Atlantic confirmed a widebody fleet adjustment in 2024. By the first quarter of 2028, its fleet will contain far more Airbus jets than Boeing 787-9s. The airline will operate 12 Airbus A330neos and 12 A350-1000s alongside its 14 Dreamliners.

The two 787-9s joining LOT will undergo a cabin refurbishment. According to the source report from Simple Flying, this will not be a full reconfiguration. LOT will benefit because the cabin will be close to its current Virgin Atlantic configuration, saving time on certification and engineering work.

Virgin Atlantic's Premium Focus with A330neos

The airline is clearly indicating a new focus. It expects the Airbus A330neo to be crucial for premium-heavy flying on popular transatlantic routes, such as high-yield flights to New York City. These new jets will be configured with 44 Upper Class and 56 Premium seats.

Virgin Atlantic is getting creative with its A330neo cabin. The aircraft features a unique product called The Retreat Suite. There are two of these exclusive suites on board.

Each suite has a six-foot, seven-inch lie-flat bed and a 27-inch entertainment touchscreen. An ottoman serves as an initial seat. The layout allows up to four people to dine in a private area. The aircraft also includes a social zone with four comfortable seats that can host eight people.

LOT's Fleet Expansion Strategy

LOT Polish Airlines has been observing market demand. Growth in long-haul capacity from its Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) hub would be welcome, but the airline lacked the necessary aircraft. The carrier is capitalizing on other airlines moving away from the Dreamliner to address this shortfall.

Alongside the two 787-9s from Virgin Atlantic, LOT is set to add further airframes from Thai Airways. This will bring its total long-haul fleet to nine aircraft. According to the source, these are midlife units that can be acquired quicker and at a lower cost than new jets. This is an important advantage given Boeing's recent difficulties in delivering jets on time.

The acquisitions are useful as LOT attempts to make its mark on long-haul aviation. Data from Planespotters.net shows that of LOT's 94 total aircraft, only 15 are widebody jets.

On top of the new 787s, LOT is also expecting to acquire two Boeing 777 jets on a temporary basis. These aircraft will be wet leased at the peak of the winter season.