SEATTLE, Feb. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and the Virgin
Group's new V Australia long-haul airline today celebrated the first 777-300ER
to go to an Australian carrier. The airplane, delivered by Boeing to
International Lease Finance Corp. and leased to V Australia, is one of seven
leased and purchased 777-300ERs V Australia will deploy on trans-Pacific and
other routes.
The Boeing Field ceremony included Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard
Branson, Virgin Group Chief Executive Brett Godfrey, ILFC Chairman and CEO
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy and senior Boeing officials.
V Australia will launch three-class Sydney-Los Angeles non-stop service on
Feb. 27, building to daily flights by March 20. Brisbane-Los Angeles flights
begin April 8.
"This 777 completes the circle for guests wanting to fly around the world
on the unique service provided by Virgin Group airlines," Godfrey said. "The
combination of Virgin service and the 777's passenger appeal will be a winner
on the South Pacific.
"We're doubly pleased to be flying the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its
class."
V Australia's 777-300ER carries 361 passengers in business, premium
economy and economy classes, with advanced in-flight entertainment options.
Boeing has been eager to see an Australian airline using the 777's
capabilities in the South Pacific region, according to Stan Deal, Boeing
Commercial Airplanes vice president, Asia Pacific Sales.
"It is a great day to see this 777-300ER take on the job it was designed
for," he said. "V Australia will be first with 777 service on the Sydney-Los
Angeles route -- exactly why we built this airplane. We congratulate V
Australia for its visionary role."
John Wojick, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president, Leasing Sales,
added, "ILFC is the world's largest 777 customer and, through its leadership
and vision, has partnered with Boeing to expand the worldwide market for the
777, including this first 777 in Australia."
The 777 family is the market leader in the 300-to-400-seat segment. Since
the 777 entered service in 1995, Boeing has grown the 777 family to include
five passenger models and a freighter.
V Australia's 777-300ER is powered by the GE90-115B. Certified at 115,000
pounds (512 kilonewtons) of thrust, it is recognized as the world's most
powerful commercial jet engine, while demonstrating superior efficiency and
environmental responsibility.
To date, 56 customers around the world have ordered nearly 1,100 777s,
making it the market's most successful twin-engine twin-aisle airplane. Boeing
has 350 unfilled orders for the 777.
Contacts:
Miles Kotay, Asia Pacific Communications (Seattle), +1 206-766-2923,
mobile: +1 425-306-4537
miles.kotay@boeing.com
Carrie Thearle, 777 Communications (Seattle), +1 425-418-8592
Carrie.a.thearle@boeing.com
Ken Morton, Boeing International Communications (Australia),
+61-437-787 787
ken.morton@boeing.com
