In 2027, Virgin Atlantic Sells Two 787-9s to LOT Polish Airlines

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Virgin Atlantic has initiated the next phase of transferring two Boeing 787-9 aircraft to LOT Polish Airlines, as part of the carrier's plan to reduce its 787 fleet from 17 to 14 aircraft. LOT CEO Michał Fijoł confirmed that the transfer will be completed in 2027, further expanding LOT's existing Dreamliner fleet. LOT currently operates eight 787-8s and seven 787-9s.

With one year remaining until the transaction is finalized, the specific airframes to be transferred have not yet been determined, and neither Virgin Atlantic nor LOT has disclosed the corresponding registration information.

Virgin Atlantic confirmed in 2024 its adjustment of the widebody fleet, planning to reduce its 787-9 count to 14 by the first quarter of 2028, with the seven Dreamliners continuing in service receiving long-term lease extensions. This increases the share of Airbus aircraft in the widebody fleet, which currently includes 12 Airbus A330neo and 12 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.

The two aircraft will require cabin refurbishment upon delivery to LOT, but not reconfiguration. Since the cabin layout is similar to Virgin Atlantic's current usage, LOT will not need to wait for additional certification and engineering cycles.

Simple Flying has contacted Virgin Atlantic for comment on the sale of these two Dreamliners.

Virgin Atlantic has made it clear that the A330neo will play a more significant role in its premium, high-density route network, which covers popular transatlantic markets, including high-yield flights to New York. The aircraft features 44 Upper Class seats and 56 Premium seats. The A330neo also includes The Retreat Suite, comprising two exclusive spacious suites, each equipped with a six-foot-seven-inch lie-flat bed and a 27-inch entertainment touchscreen, as well as a social area accommodating eight people with four seats. According to Planespotters.net data, Virgin Atlantic's current fleet structure reflects an emphasis on new Airbus aircraft.

LOT has observed demand for long-haul capacity at its Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) hub, but existing aircraft cannot support additional services. The carrier is seizing the opportunity of other airlines' declining interest in Dreamliners to expand its fleet, planning to receive two aircraft from Virgin Atlantic as well as additional airframes from Thai Airways, bringing its long-haul fleet to nine aircraft. These mid-life airframes can be acquired faster and at lower prices compared to new aircraft. According to Planespotters.net data, only 15 of LOT's current 94 aircraft are widebody types.

In addition to the new 787s, LOT also expects to temporarily lease two Boeing 777 aircraft on a wet-lease basis for peak winter operations.