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Etihad places giant Boeing & Airbus order
Air New Zealand to T1
BA launches newly created in-flight Japanese menu
Virgin's Clubhouse NY State wine-tasting
Etihad flight increase
BA long-haul move to T5 successful
New York flights to T5
BA flight move delay
Terminal 5 problems
Singapore start A380 services
Emirates A380 Dubai route
Air New Zealand concierges
A380 due March 18
New BA Indian route
Northwest comes to Heathrow
Continental for Heathrow
A380 "at least February"
JAL launches premium economy
BA major jet order
BA ends Detroit route
Israel route for bmi
Huge bmi route expansion
A380 not until next Spring
Aer Lingus Belfast route
BA flies Heathrow to Texas
Virgin orders Dreamliner
ETIHAD PLACES GIANT BOEING & AIRBUS ORDER
14 July 2008
Etihad Airways today placed one of the biggest aircraft fleet orders in modern aviation history in an agreement worth up to US$43 billion.
The Abu Dhabi based airline announced the deal at the opening day of the 2008 Farnborough International Airshow. A total of 205 aircraft, both narrow-body and wide-body, will be delivered to Etihad between 2011 & 2020, thus giving the airline a fleet of more than 150 aircraft.
Both Boeing's 787 Dreamliner & Airbus' A380 form a large part of the 100 firm orders, as well as options & purchase rights for other aircraft, including A320s, A350s and B777s. The engine types for the B787 & A380 are yet to be decided.
His Highness Dr Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan, chairman of Etihad Airways together with the chief executive James Hogan signed separate contracts with Jim McNerney, president & CEO of Boeing, and Tom Enders, Airbus' president & CEO.
James Hogan said: "This is a momentous day for Etihad Airways & Abu Dhabi and represents one of the largest aircraft orders in commercial aviation history. The new generation aircraft we have ordered from both Boeing and Airbus are amongst the most fuel efficient and will help maintain Etihad's fleet as one of the youngest & greenest in the sky."
Air New Zealand move to Terminal 1
7 July 2008
Air New Zealand completed the smooth transition to Terminal 1 on Friday 4 July, after more than 10 years of flying from Terminal 3 at Heathrow.
The move was originally scheduled for 10 June, but was postponed to ensure all systems were fully operational, and a smooth transition could be guaranteed. This change marks the beginning of the Star Alliance project to bring all member airlines together under one roof at Heathrow by 2012.
“We are pleased to say that our move on Friday went exactly as planned, with no passengers experiencing any inconvenience" said Scott Carr, Air New Zealand’s European General Manager."
Our new home at T1 is an exciting move for us, and will enable our passengers to benefit from the transformations already underway in the terminal, including a simple, easy to use check-in which will reduce congestion and create quicker processing times, a refreshed arrivals area and immigration hall, and upgraded baggage system.”
For the first time since the introduction of the second daily flight from London in October 2006, Air New Zealand will have a single check-in location in Terminal 1. The airline is currently in a temporary check in area in Zone R until October, when the final location in Zone G will be ready.
Air New Zealand premium passengers will use the new Star Alliance lounge also opening in Terminal 1 from July. This will be the largest lounge on the Star Alliance network and will be available to all first and business class passengers and Star Alliance Gold Card holders travelling on any of the member airlines operating from Terminal 1.
BA launches newly created in-flight Japanese menu
7 July 2008
British Airways has joined forces with Japanese caterers to create a new authentic menu on the UK-Japan routes.
Nobuo Nakajima, sous-chef of Cosmo Enterprise Co. is one of the men responsible for the innovative cusine that recently launched on the inbound Narita-Heathrow route last week. Cosmo's executive chef Masahiko Miyakawa worked alongside Nakajima and the result is an exciting and authentic menu which features different dishes according to the changing seasons in Japan, thus influencing both the choice and preparation of meals.
Chef Nakajima travelled on the first flight featuring the new culinary creations, and guided the crew in both the preparation and presentation of the dishes. "This has been a challenge and we are extremely proud to be working with BA", he said.
Virgin to offer NY state wine-tasting in T3 Clubhouse
2 July 2008
Virgin Atlantic will be offering its Upper Class passengers wine tasting opportunities in the Terminal 3 Clubhouse from New York's State's wine regions over the summer months.
During July and August visitors to the Clubhouse will be given the chance to sample six wines from the various regions in NY State, including The Finger Lakes, Long Island, Niagara Escarpment and the Hudson Valley. The Clubhouse bar team will be given special training by James Trezise, President of the NY Wine & Grape foundation, before the wine tasting begins. The wines will supplement the current wine & cocktail list available in the Clubhouse.
Paul Dickinson, Director of Sales & Marketing for Virgin Atlantic observed: "This will give passengers the opportunity to experience wines from one of the wine regions which is less well known here in the UK. We're absolutely certain that it's going to be an educational & enjoyable experience."
Etihad to increase Heathrow flights
27 June 2008
Etihad Airways is set to increase its UK flights from October when it adds a third daily flight from its Abu Dhabi home base to Heathrow.
Demand for flights between the UAE and UK has grown considerably during the past 12 months and the new addition to the timetable now takes the number of weekly flights from 17 to 21.
Geert Boven, Etihad Airways’ executive vice president sales and services, said: “It is great news that Etihad will shortly operate a third daily flight between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow, the world’s busiest international airport.
“By adding these new flights to our growing route network we are able to offer a simpler, more convenient travel experience for the flying public.”
BA long-haul move to T5 successful
7 June 2008
British Airways has moved a raft of long-haul flights to Terminal 5 including the key New York routes without any significant problems.
The airline is now confident that the Terminal, including the baggage system, is working well and offers a “positive” experience for passengers.
The move was originally delayed after problems dogged the opening in March but the addition of flights from New York JFK plus Abuja, Bangalore, Beijing, Cairo, Cape Town, Lagos and Phoenix has now doubled the number of long haul services using the Terminal.
“It was a great performance across the airline and everyone deserves a huge amount of credit” said BA chief executive Willie Walsh after the latest move on June 5.
He said that move of the flights from Terminal 4 went smoothly and it was particularly pleasing that the momentum was maintained in the following days.
“Some 3.5 million people have now travelled through T5 and most of them have had a great experience.” he said.
The success of the operation means that BAA can now concentrate on the re-shuffling of many airlines to different terminals prompted by the opening of Terminal 5 and planned closure of Terminal 2 later this year.
New York flights to T5
9 May 2008
British Airways is to bring its New York flights to Terminal 5 on June 5 as part of phased move of its long-haul services.
These were originally planned to operate from T5 shortly after its opening – but the move was delayed because of highly-publicised operational problems, particularly with the luggage system.
BA and BAA are now confident it is working efficiently hence the move of the flagship eight-times-a-day New York route.
Other services coming to T5 on June 5 are Abuja, Bangalore, Beijing, Cairo, Cape Town, Lagos and Phoenix.
Chief Executive Willie Walsh said that phased move was in the interest of customers who remain the airline’s “priority at all times”.
“Terminal 5 is now working well and we are pleased to confirm our plan to move in some additional flights on June 5”, he said.
BA flight move delay
11 April 2008
British Airways has delayed moving most of its long-haul flights to Terminal 5 until June following substantial problems in the immediate aftermath of its opening.
"It is only sensible to ensure that Terminal 5 is operating consistently at a high standard before the move begins," said BA boss Willie Walsh.
A series of problems, particularly with its highly-automated luggage system, led to disrupted flights and mislaid bags
Almost all of BA's long-haul flights were supposed to switch from Terminal 4 to Terminal 5 on 30 April and the delay in moving will have a knock-on effect on other airlines, which had been due to move into Terminal 4 once BA had left.
Those due to move into Terminal 4 include Air France-KLM, Delta and Continental Airlines.
BMI complained that the delay was "outrageous and inconsiderate”
In a joint statement with airport operator BAA, British Airways said: "While a normal flight schedule has been operated at Terminal 5 since Tuesday, we want to ensure that customers can be confident of high service standards when additional flights are introduced.
"We will work together to iron out any remaining problems, including the baggage system and its operation, and develop a robust timescale for phasing the move of Terminal 4 services into Terminal 5."
Terminal 5 problems
29 March 2008
British Airways faced major difficulties in Terminal 5 following technical problems which led to the displacement of thousands of bags and disrupted flight schedules.
The much-heralded opening was eclipsed by the issues, which are now expected to take months to resolve.
The airline’s chief executive Willie Walsh said that he was determined to make “this great building work” and added that he took full responsibility.
Yesterday was definitely not British Airways' finest hour. We disappointed many people and I apologise sincerely. I take responsibility for what happened. The buck stops with me. Our performance was not good enough. We did not deliver for our customers and we should have. I would expect some disruption tomorrow, but I think it will get better every day as we become accustomed to the building and the quirks of the systems.’
Mr Walsh said yesterday's situation was genuinely ‘a combination of problems’. He said staff arriving found difficulties getting in and there were delays getting airside, putting them ‘under pressure from the very beginning’. There was then a system failure when staff tried to log in, which was tracked back to ‘human error.'
Singapore start A380 services
18 March
Singapore Airlines started Airbus A380 services to Europe with a packed non-stop flight into Heathrow.
Aviation minister Jim Fitzpatrick was amongst the dignatries to welcome the megajet, complete with 471 passengers, as flight SQ308 pulled up to the airport’s Terminal 3.
Singapore is the first airline to operate the world’s largest passenger jet, although Emirates will also start daily services later this year.
The inaugural flight had something of a carnival atmosphere – passengers broke into applause as it touched down and they were greeted with gifts and a brass band as they stepped into the terminal.
“The Singapore Airlines A380 has wings made in Britain, it is powered by Britain and its interiors are designed in Britain. The new aircraft also represents a significant step towards greener flying” said Marvin Tan, the airlines general manager UK and Ireland.
“It is 20% more fuel-efficient and has a noise footprint half that of the B747-400 it is designed to replace. Our aircraft will also carry a third more passengers than the B747-400, thus enabling us to satisfy demand without having to increase the number of flights.” he said.
Emirates A380 Dubai route
4 March 2008
Emirates is set to launch its first A380 service into Heathrow on 1 December, the Dubai-based airline has announced.
There will be 489 seats on the jet, 14 in first, 76 in business and 399 in economy, although exact details of the interior or the service have yet to be announced.
Emirates is the largest customer for the world’s biggest passenger jet with 58 on order and five due to be delivered this year. Singapore Airlines is the launch customer and started a service to Australia late last year.
Emirates is also flying the A380 between Dubai and New York starting in 1 October.
“Our customers can rightly anticipate an exhilarating experience on the state-of-the-art aircraft, which will be especially appointed and equipped to Emirates’ exacting standards. We will unveil our exciting inflight features and facilities shortly.” Said Tim Clark, Emirates president. It will operate into Heathrow's Terminal 3.
Air New Zealand concierges
12 February 2008
Air New Zealand has started looking for UK recruits for its new in-flight International Airline Concierge service launching in May.
The service will be a first in the aviation industry and aims to revolutionise its long-haul customers’ travel experience.
The airline will employ up to 90 concierge staff worldwide, with 22 based in London. The concierges will be dedicated to making every customer journey on an Air New Zealand service a special event – before, during and after flight, said a statement.
“Our International Airline Concierges will be a combination of travel advisers, disrupt managers, loyalty experts and destinational experts. Their duties will range from escorting passengers to and from the aircraft, recommending “must-do” activities to tourists, assisting customers with onward bookings, and supporting customers affected by a weather disruption” said Air New Zealand General Manager UK and Europe Scott Carr.
Mr Carr says he expects to draw from a wide pool of talent – from talented Air New Zealanders to people working in services and hospitality industries or the tourism sector.
A380 due on March 18
30 January 2008
The Airbus A380 megajet is to start operating into Heathrow on March 18, Singapore Airlines has announced.
The first A380 flight to London, SQ 308, will leave Singapore’s Changi Airport on Tuesday, 18 March 2008, at 0900 hrs and arrive at London’s Heathrow Airport at 1505hrs (all times local).
Singapore Airlines General Manager UK and Ireland, Marvin Tan said: “The arrival of the first commercial A380 flight to London will be a proud moment not only for Singapore Airlines but also for British aviation, with the magnificant wings of the aircraft made in Broughton and Filton and the Singapore Airlines A380 powered by Rolls Royce Trent 900 engines.”
The aircraft will return to Singapore on the same day, operating as SQ 319, departing Heathrow at 1855hrs, arriving back into Singapore at 1535hrs on Wednesday,19 March 2008.
Thereafter, the Singapore Airlines A380 will commence regular scheduled services, operating SQ322 daily on the Singapore-London sector from the evening of Tuesday 18 March, and on SQ 317 for the return leg from 19 March. A schedule of the flight times can be found in Annex 1.
Singapore Airlines is the first airline to fly the A380. London is the Airline’s second A380 destination after the launch to Sydney in October 2007.
“With the addition of London as the second A380 destination, more of our customers can now enjoy the award-winning cabin products, enhanced inflight entertainment and renowned Singapore Airlines service,” said Singapore Airlines Executive Vice President Marketing and Regions, Mr Huang Cheng Eng.
“The A380 will provide a capacity expansion on the popular Singapore-London route. For the first time, an aircraft larger than the B747-400 will fly this route, thereby meaning more seats without the need for more frequencies to what is already one of the world’s busiest airports,” Mr Huang said.
Seats on A380 services, including the inaugural flights, are open for sale. Those who wish to be part of this landmark experience may purchase tickets via the Singapore Airlines website, singaporeair.com, or through their travel agents.
Customers who hold ticketed bookings on flights to be operated by the A380 will be automatically accommodated on the new aircraft without any change required to their tickets. Customers holding bookings, but not yet ticketed, may need to check if there have been changes to their fares as a result of the aircraft change.
On board the inaugural London flights (SQ308/319) on 18 March, customers will receive personalised certificates recognising their participation in the milestone event, as well as limited edition Singapore Airlines A380 souvenirs and exclusive premium giveaways.
New BA Indian route
18 January 2007
British Airways is to start flights from Heathrow to the Indian city of Hyderabad from October 27, 2008.
Hyderabad becomes the airline's sixth Indian destination joining Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai on its route network. There will be five flights each week on a Boeing 777 aircraft.
Robert Boyle, British Airways' commercial director, said: "India is our largest market outside North America and, with the Hyderabad route, we will fly there 48 times each week. This is up from 19 flights per week when the UK/India aviation market was liberalised in October 2005.
"Hyderabad has a fast growing economy based on IT, business process outsourcing and biotech industries and we believe that there will be a strong business demand for our flights which will be the only direct services between the city and the UK."
The airline has also announced enhancements on its South American services - there will be an increase in Bueno Airies flights from four times a week to seven and new direct route to Rio de Janeiro, avoiding the existing stop in Sao Paulo.
Northwest comes to Heathrow
14 December 2007
Northwest has become the latest airline to announce Heathrow services from next spring in the wake of the ‘open skies’ agreement.
The American carrier, one of the world’s largest, plans non-stop services to Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Seattle operating out of Terminal 4.
“The new Heathrow service is great news for customers, both business and leisure travellers, who prefer the convenient location and accessibility of the Heathrow airport.” said Doug Steenland, president and CEO.
“Our Detroit and Minneapolis/St. Paul hubs are the most efficient and uncongested connecting airports in the U.S. and, together with our Seattle gateway, will link Heathrow to every point in America.” He added.
A statement from the airline said that with the increasing globalization of the economy, access to London’s business and financial districts is a “must”.
There will be a large expansion of transatlantic traffic out of Heathrow with the opening-up of the airport to new entrants.
Other airlines planning services are Delta and Continental. And Air France has said that it will operate a Heathrow-Los Angeles rout from next spring
Continental starts Heathrow route
20 November 2007
American-based Continental Airlines has announced plans to fly to Heathrow next March following the ‘open skies’ agreement.
Continental, the world’s fifth largest airline, will fly into Heathrow from New York’s Newark airport and Houston, Texas. There will be twice daily non-stop services on each route using Boeing 777 and 767s. It will continue its existing services into Gatwick.
"At last we will be able to give our customers something they have long requested -- the opportunity to fly to both London's main airports with their preferred airline. We look forward to the chance to compete at Europe's most important business airport." said Larry Kellner, Continental's chairman and CEO.
The services will operate from Terminal 4.
A380 "at least February"
1 November 2007
The Airbus A380 will not enter service at Heathrow until at least next February, despite it’s successful launch in the far east.
“We have not been given a firm date by Airbus. It could be anytime between February and April although the earlier the better as far as we are concerned” said a spokesman for Singapore Airlines, who will operate the first flights.
Preparations are already being made for the start of the daily A380 service between Heathrow and Singapore, but the airline is unable to sell tickets until it gets a firm itinerary.
The megajet entered service between Sydney and Singapore earlier this month and has been well received by the aviation industry and the travelling public.
A particular feature of the aircraft is the special enclosed suite for first class passengers.
"Our Suites have raised the bar for premium air travel and brought new meaning
to the concept of luxury in the sky. We are offering our customers
unprecedented comfort, space and luxury by introducing what are effectively
private cabins." Said the airline’s General Manager for the UK and Ireland, Marvin Tan.
JAL launches premium economy
2 October 2007
Japan Airlines is to introduce its first premium economy cabins on flights between Tokyo and Heathrow.
This will be the airline’s fourth passenger category – it already has economy, business and first – and will be centred on its Boeing 777 fleet.
The premium economy passengers will be able to experience a new shell-shaped seat which the airline says will “ensure that passengers’ private space is maintained throughout the flight”.
Other features include extra legroom, a computer power socket plus enhanced entertainment and catering.
The service will be rolled out on other long haul routes over the coming months.
BA major jet order
26 September 200
British Airways has placed orders for the huge Airbus A380 megajet and for Boeing’s revolutionary 787 ‘dreamliner’.
The decision which underlines BA’s policy of keeping its fleet split between the two manufacturers, puts emphasis on greener, quieter and more fuel-efficient aircraft.
The decision involves the purchase of 12 A380s (with an option for seven more) and 24 dreamliners (with an option for 18 more). All will be powered by Rolls-Royce engines
."This is an exciting day for British Airways with our largest fleet order since 1998. It's great news for our business, our customers and the environment” said Willie Walsh BA chief executive.
"These aircraft set the gold standard when it comes to environmental performance in the key areas of CO2 emissions, local air quality and noise. They will contribute significantly to our target of improving fuel efficiency by 25 per cent between 2005 and 2025.
"They are also much quieter than their predecessors, which is of vital importance at Heathrow. Both the A380 and B787 are rated as producing a quarter of the noise level of the B747-400E he said.
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BA ends Detroit route
22 September 2007
British Airways is suspending direct flights between Heathrow and Detroit next March as part of a network re-organisation...
The move, based on its relative decline as a business route, comes as the airline increases frequencies between Heathrow and New York/JFK, Seattle and Washington together with the opening up of its new Heathrow-Texas service.
Other changes from next March include a move to Heathrow from Gatwick for BA’s Algiers service and the moving of its Warsaw route from Heathrow to Gatwick.
“We’re taking advantage of the opportunities provided by Open Skies to further enhance our market-leading network from London to the United States. Next summer we will offer our customers 41 daily flights to 18 destinations across the US” said Robert Boyle, BA’s commercial director.
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Israel route for bmi
12 September 2007
Bmi has announced a daily non stop service from Heathrow to Tel Aviv starting next spring.
The addition of Tel Aviv to the airline’s mid haul network from Heathrow has been made possible by the conclusion of bilateral talks between the UK and Israeli governments. allowing the designation of a second UK and Israeli airline on routes between London and Tel Aviv.
The route is currently served by British Airways and El Al.
“The opportunity to be part of the growing business links and ties between the UK and Israel is extremely exciting and we shall look forward to playing our part in widening the competitive air links between the two countries, and the economic growth that this has historically achieved” said Nigel Turner the airline's Chief Executive.
The service will operate from Heathrow's terminal one. Schedule details will be announced at a later date.
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Huge bmi route expansion
5 September 2007
bmi, Heathrow’s second-largest carrier has announced the largest-ever expansion of its route network from the airport, with 17 new destinations, including Baku, Tehran, Beirut, Amman, Almaty and Yerevan starting late October. The move follows the purchase of BMED earlier this year..
Coinciding with the launch of the new routes, the airline is to introduce major enhancements to its in-flight product including improved food and drinks service on all its mid-haul and long-haul routes, new amenity kits and in-flight entertainment offering
Critically from mid-September, bmi will be introducing new lie-flat beds on services from Heathrow to Riyadh.
Nigel Turner, chief executive of bmi group, said: “These new routes represent the single largest expansion of the bmi brand in the history of the airline, and mark our continuing transition into a truly global airline.
“Ten years ago, we had a network that was 100 per cent short-haul domestic and European. From the end of October, more than half of our destinations from Heathrow will be in the mid-haul and long-haul markets.
“We will serve 36 destinations from Heathrow this winter, with an in-flight product that provides the highest level of service to business and leisure travellers alike. It is a network that will particularly enhance transfer traffic as all 36 destinations will be served from Terminal 1.”
The full list of new routes being launched on 28 October includes Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Aleppo, Syria; Almaty, Kazakhstan; Amman, Jordan; Ankara, Turkey; Baku, Azerbaijan; Beirut, Lebanon; Bishkek, Kyrgystan; Cairo, Egypt (4 November); Dakar, Senegal; Damascus, Syria; Ekaterinburg, Russia; Freetown, Sierra Leone; Khartoum, Sudan; Tbilisi, Georgia; Tehran, Iran; Yerevan, Armenia. Services to Amman and Beirut will be served by daily direct flights, an increase over the previous BA schedule.
Peter Spencer, managing director of bmi’s mainline operations, said “This is just the start of our strategy to develop a comprehensive network of mid-haul services from London Heathrow and provide product enhancements to both mid-haul and long-haul travellers”
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A380 not until next Spring
16 August 2007
The first A380 service into Heathrow will not be until next Spring, despite a firm delivery timetable for the jet in the far east.
Singapore Airlines, the launch customer, has announced that it will make it’s first flight with the Airbus megajet on 25 October from Singapore to Sydney.
But a spokeswoman for the airline in London confirmed “we are looking at next Spring for the launch of our Heathrow service”. The exact date has yet to be confirmed.
Despite a successful launch and a series of proving flights to various airports including Heathrow, the production process has been dogged by delays.
Most of the issues have now been resolved and pilots are already undertaking training.
Many of the 471 seats on the inaugural Singapore-Sydney flight will be offered for auction with the proceeds going to various charities.
“ Everyone at Singapore Airlines is keenly anticipating the delivery of this new plane and our people are working hard on final preparations for its entry into service. The first flight promises to be one of the most exciting occasions in aviation history” said Chew Choon Seng, the airline’s CEO.
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Aer Lingus launch Belfast route
8 August 2007
Services between Belfast International and Heathrow are to be re-established following a decision by Aer Lingus to set up a base at the Ulster airport.
The Irish carrier announced that it is also cutting its route between Heathrow and Shannon as part of a reorganisation of its operations.
The route to Belfast International was closed after British Airways decided to suspend services as part of a cost-cutting operation, although bmi continues to fly from Heathrow to Belfast CityAirport.
Aer Lingus will launch the new service on January 14 2008 and will fly 21 times a week.
"Belfast is becoming an increasingly popular destination for visitors from all over the world. Belfast International Airport is the ideal location for the new Aer Lingus base, offering 24/7, all-weather operations and long runways capable of accommodating all current and future Aer Lingus development potential” said Dermot Mannion, Aer Lingus chief executive.
"A new base in BFS provides Aer Lingus with the opportunity to grow by providing customers with additional choice and low fares to European destinations" he said
The services will initially operate from Heathrow’s Terminal 1.
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BA flies Heathrow to Texas
27 June 2007
British Airways is to start its first non-stop service from Heathrow to Dallas Fort Worth and Houston next March 30 when the ‘open skies’ agreement comes into force.
The new Heathrow to Texas service will be one of the most significant route developments in the opening of Terminal 5 and BA are expecting strong business traffic as well as tourist usage.
There will be a daily flight to Dallas Fort Worth and two flights each day to Houston, all of which will be operated on Boeing 777s.
The existing BA service out of Gatwick to the destinations will cease.
British Airways' commercial director, Robert Boyle, said: "Open Skies allows us to fly non-stop from Heathrow to Dallas Fort Worth and Houston for the first time. While these routes have been well served from Gatwick, moving to Heathrow makes it easier for our customers to transfer on to our global network via our new home at Terminal 5.
"Among the sectors to benefit will be the oil and gas industry as business travellers will be able to transfer with greater ease at Heathrow between Texas and destinations such as Lagos, Luanda and the Middle East." he said.
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Virgin orders Dreamliner
1 May 2007
Virgin Atlantic has shifted its fleet clearly in the direction of Boeing, with an order for 15 Dreamliners and options on a further eight.
The airline says that environmental concerns are an important part of the order with Dreamliner, the Boeing 787-9, burning around 27 per cent less fuel than the Airbus A340 which it replaces in the fleet.
Virgin will take delivery from 2011 and they may be used on new routes to Australia, Canada and Brazil.
“The 787 Dreamliner symbolizes the environmentally-kinder aircraft of the future - cleaner, quieter, lighter and truly the best experience in the air." said the airline’s chairman, Sir Richard Branson.
The announcement was made at a press conference in the United States.
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