Airline Is European Launch Customer For The Longer Dreamliner

Virgin Atlantic has become the first European customer to take delivery of a 787-9 Dreamliner, which will operate initially on the airline's London Heathrow to Boston route.

Virgin Atlantic's first 787-9 touched down at London's Gatwick Airport Friday following a more than 4,000 nautical mile nonstop flight from Paine Field in Everett, WA. The airplane, named 'Birthday Girl' in reference to the UK carrier's 30th anniversary, is the first of 16 787-9s Virgin Atlantic has ordered from Boeing.

"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, vice president of European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "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."

The 787-9 complements and extends the 787 family. With the fuselage stretched by 20 feet over the 787-8, the 787-9 will fly up to 40 more passengers an additional 450 nautical miles using 20 percent less fuel and with 20 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes they replace.

To date, nearly 60 customers from around the world have ordered more than 1,000 Dreamliners, approximately 40 percent of which are 787-9s.

(Image provided by Boeing)

FMI: www.boeing.com