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Virgin Atlantic has entered into the next step in handing over two of its Boeing 787-9s to LOT Polish Airlines. It is part of a reduction in the carrier’s 787 fleet from 17 to 14 jets. LOT’s chief executive, Michał Fijoł, has confirmed that the transfer will be completed in 2027. It will enhance LOT’s pre-existing Dreamliner fleet, which includes eight 787-8s and seven 787-9s.
With another year to wait until the deal is completed, much remains unknown. For instance, neither Virgin Atlantic nor LOT have confirmed the exact airframes that will be transferred.
The Transition Is Part Of A Shift In Fleet Focus
Virgin Atlantic confirmed an adjustment to its widebody fleet back in 2024. By the first quarter of 2028, the airline would cut back to 14 787-9s. Seven of its continuing Dreamliners would have long-term lease extensions. This reduction has been to the benefit of Airbus. The widebody fleet would contain far more jets from this family than 787-9s, with 12 Airbus A330neos and 12 A350-1000s.
Once these two jets come to LOT Polish Airlines, they’ll undergo a cabin refurbishment. However, this will not be a reconfiguration. As it will be close to the current usage by Virgin Atlantic, LOT won’t have to waste time awaiting certification and the completion of engineering work.
Simple Flying has contacted Virgin Atlantic for comment on its sale of these two Dreamliners.
The Focus On Premium Heavy A330neos Brings Creativity To Transatlantic Aviation
Virgin Atlantic is clearly indicating that it expects the A330neo to be a more important aircraft for its new focus on premium heavy flying on the world’s most popular transatlantic routes. An example is high yield flights to New York City. These jets will have 44 Upper Class and 56 Premium seats onboard.
The table below shows the full Virgin Atlantic fleet, making use of Planespotters.net data. It shows a clear focus on young Airbus jets:
Aircraft type | In service | Parked | Total | Future | Average age (years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Airbus A330 | 14 | 14 | 4 | 8 | |
Airbus A350 | 12 | 12 | 5.7 | ||
Boeing 787 | 15 | 2 | 17 | 10.5 | |
Total | 41 | 2 | 43 | 4 | 8.4 |
The airline gets creative with the inclusion of its unique The Retreat Suite aboard the A330neo. There are two of these exclusive and spacious suites available onboard, each with a six-foot, seven-inch lie-flat bed and a 27-inch entertainment touchscreen. These suites also include an ottoman which serves as an initial seat. The layout of these suites means up to four people can dine in a private area. The A330neo also has a social zone that can host eight people and has four comfy seats.
LOT Have Capitalized On An Excellent Opportunity
LOT has been observing demand within the market at its Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) hub showing a growth in its long-haul capacity would be welcome. However, it does not have the aircraft that would give it the capacity boost required to offer additional services.
The Polish carrier has been making use of other airlines falling out of love with the Dreamliner to boost its numbers of the aircraft type and address this shortfall. Alongside the two acquisitions from Virgin Atlantic, it is set to add further airframes from Thai Airways, bringing its total long-haul fleet to nine aircraft. These are midlife units that can be bought quicker and at a lower cost than new jets, an important advantage given Boeing’s difficulties in delivering jets to customers in good time over recent years. The acquisitions will be incredibly useful as the airline attempts to make its mark on the long-haul aviation industry. Of the 94 aircraft in its fleet, just 15 are widebody aircraft according to Planespotters.net.
On top of its 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.
