Article from ATW
Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Blue likely contributors to Boeing's big week
Monday March 19, 2007
Boeing added 46 orders to its backlog last week including 27 aircraft for unidentified customers: Six 747-8s (understood to be freighters), six 777s (understood to be -300ERs for Virgin Blue) and 15 787s.
There is informed opinion from London sources that the 787 order came from Virgin Atlantic Airways, which has been moving rapidly toward a green platform. The carrier recently deferred its remaining six A340-600s
(ATWOnline, Feb. 26) and those slots have been taken by Lufthansa. Virgin also deferred its order for six A380s with first delivery slated for 2013.
Two analysts in London told
ATWOnline they would be surprised if the airline took either deferred commitment. "Branson's going all green and for twin engines," one claimed.
Boeing now has sold, net of cancellations, 112 aircraft this year comprising nine 737s, two 747s, 36 767s, 23 777s and 42 787s. Orders for the 787 have passed the 500 mark with 513 sold--490 under contract and 23 pending signature.
by Geoffrey Thomas