- LOT acquires two Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners
- Transfer takes place first half of 2027
- Virgin Atlantic reducing Dreamliner fleet from 17 to 14
- LOT retains Virgin cabin layouts to avoid certification delays
- Fleet now includes ten 787s after Thai Airways additions
LOT Polish Airlines has acquired two secondhand Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners previously operated by Virgin Atlantic, with the strategic fleet transfer taking place in the first half of 2027. The Polish flag carrier is bypassing industry-wide new-build delivery delays and scaling up international operations from Warsaw through this acquisition. Virgin Atlantic is reducing its Dreamliner fleet from 17 to 14 aircraft as the British carrier shifts focus toward premium transatlantic services using its growing fleet of Airbus A330neos and A350-1000s.
The aircraft will undergo cabin refurbishment but will retain Virgin’s existing premium cabin layouts, allowing LOT to avoid immediate engineering and certification bottlenecks and deploy the seats faster. LOT’s fleet comprises eight 787-8s and seven 787-9s, with these two additional aircraft significantly boosting long-haul capabilities ahead of the 2027 summer travel peak. The incoming aircraft join recent used additions from Thai Airways in strengthening the airline’s long-haul network.
Neither airline has officially named the specific airframe registration numbers being transferred yet. Virgin Atlantic’s strategic decision to reduce its Dreamliner fleet aligns with its focus on Airbus widebodies for premium transatlantic services. The acquisition represents LOT’s continued investment in its long-haul capabilities, positioning the carrier for expanded international operations from its Warsaw hub. The 2027 summer travel season will see the aircraft deployed on routes serving key markets from Poland.
