Virgin Atlantic Sells 787-9s to LOT Polish Airlines Amid Fleet Shift

Virgin Atlantic has sold two of its Boeing 787-9s to LOT Polish Airlines as part of a reduction in its 787 fleet from 17 to 14 jets. The transfer, which will be completed by 2027, will enhance LOT's existing Dreamliner fleet, which includes eight 787-8s and seven 787-9s.

Neither Virgin Atlantic nor LOT has confirmed the exact airframes that will be transferred, but it is part of a shift in focus for Virgin Atlantic. The airline plans to reduce its widebody fleet to 14 787-9s by the first quarter of 2028, with seven continuing Dreamliners having long-term lease extensions.

The reduction has been beneficial for Airbus, as the widebody fleet will contain more jets from this family than 787-9s. Virgin Atlantic is expected to focus on premium heavy flying on transatlantic routes using its new A330neos. The jets will have 44 Upper Class and 56 Premium seats onboard.

LOT has been observing demand within the market at its Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) hub showing a growth in long-haul capacity would be welcome, but it lacks the necessary aircraft to provide this boost. Alongside the two acquisitions from Virgin Atlantic, LOT will add further airframes from Thai Airways, bringing its total long-haul fleet to nine aircraft.