Virgin Atlantic Removes Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Virgin Atlantic is moving forward with removing two Boeing 787 Dreamliners by sending two of its 787-9s to LOT Polish Airlines in 2027.

The aircraft, previously disclosed as part of Virgin Atlantic’s reduction of its 787 fleet from 17 to 14 units, will help support LOT’s expansion of international operations from Warsaw by mid-2027.

Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787 Reduction Supports A330neo Growth

LOT confirmed the Boeing 787-9 transfers, with chief executive Michał Fijoł saying the carrier expected two additional used 787-9s to arrive in the first half of 2027 from Virgin Atlantic.

The disclosure follows Thai Airways’ previous acquisition of two Boeing 787-9s and offers a more immediate way to acquire near mid-life units more cheaply and sooner than waiting for new-build aircraft, Pasazer said.

LOT Polish Airlines has 15 Boeing 787s in its fleet, with eight 787-8s and seven larger 787-9s. The two aircraft, sourced from Virgin Atlantic alongside the Thai Airways additions, will increase LOT’s long-haul fleet to 19 aircraft.

LOT has yet to confirm which specific airframes it expects to receive, nor has Virgin Atlantic revealed which two airframes it is releasing; however, the deal is a fleet transfer, with one airline removing the type and another benefiting from the transaction.

Before the Boeing 787s can enter service with LOT Polish Airlines, the airline is expected to complete a cabin refurbishment, but this will not be a complete reconfiguration of the airframes. In this case, that distinction means a refresh will improve cabin condition and more closely match the existing product, but it is not a reconfiguration requiring certification, engineering work, and downtime.

Virgin Atlantic Has Planned For This Reduction

The acquisition from LOT Polish Airlines is opportunistic, but sourcing the aircraft from Virgin Atlantic is consistent with its previously outlined 787 programme.

In 2024, as the fleet structure became firmer, Virgin Atlantic confirmed it would retain 14 Boeing 787-9s by the first quarter of 2028, down from 17, and agreed to long-term lease extensions for seven aircraft.

Under the plan, the fleet would comprise 19 Airbus A330-900s from the A330neo family, 12 Airbus A350-1000s and just 14 Boeing 787-9s, thereby reducing its 787-9 fleet.

Virgin Atlantic’s decision has now provided a clearer timeframe for the handover, and its intention to rely more heavily on the incoming A330neos, with their more premium-heavy cabin configuration, can accelerate as well.

The U.K. carrier’s 2024 plan is now being realised through deliveries scheduled to continue through the end of the decade, alongside new seating across Upper Class, Premium and Economy, with the introduction of the Retreat Suites and a more premium-heavy layout including 44 Upper Class and 56 Premium seats, allowing the aircraft to be deployed on high-yielding markets such as New York.

Removing the two Boeing 787-9s, ahead of the main wave of A330neo deliveries, reduces overall downtime and costs. If these Boeing 787s are departing and have a clear exit point, there is no need to refurbish the airframes or invest anything more, as A330neo capacity covers their departure.

Virgin Atlantic is not withdrawing the Boeing 787 altogether; however, it’s reducing the number of units flying and, following recent orders, relying more heavily on Airbus’ own mid-sized alternative, the A330neo, which acts as the successor to the A330ceo family.

LOT Gets A Long-Haul Boost With More 787s

While Virgin Atlantic’s 787 fleet reduction has been planned, LOT Polish Airlines is capitalising on the opportunity, which can access the next-generation widebody at a fraction of the cost of a new-build aircraft from the production line.

Although the airline will take on 787s that are not brand new, the chance to access widebody capacity without the wait or price point of a new-build aircraft means the airline’s existing Dreamliner operation can be enhanced soon after a cabin refresh.

Given LOT’s familiarity with the 787 Dreamliner, the chance to improve compatibility with existing pilots, maintenance, the spare parts market, and even network planning supports the acquisition rationale. It means entry into service will not be complicated.

Targeting deployment from Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), these 787-9s are also a step up from the 787-8, meaning LOT can send additional capacity to markets where demand has supported seat growth, but the carrier has been unable to add capacity due to aircraft shortages.

LOT is also expecting to operate two Boeing 777s on a wet lease during the peak of the upcoming winter season, meaning its widebody count will rise above 19 aircraft. The 777s are a short-term capacity solution; however, the transferred 787-9s are a long-term solution for long-haul requirements.