V Australia defers B777 deliveries
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Virgin Blue Airlines Group has confirmed that it has agreed with Boeing to defer the delivery of V Australia’s 5th and 6th 777-300ER aircraft. According to a Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation report, the aircraft had been scheduled to join the new airline’s fleet in 2010, but will now be delivered delivery in 2011 and 2012. There has been no change to the planned delivery of V Australia’s 7th aircraft, due in the second half of 2010.
The company said the extension of the delivery schedule was part of Virgin Blue’s ongoing group-wide measures to adjust its business operations to current and forecast trading conditions. The first of V Australia’s aircraft was secured via a lease arrangement with leading global lessor, International Leasing Finance Company (ILFC). V Australia’s second and third B777-300ER aircraft, bought directly from Boeing, were delivered in January and February, respectively. The fourth is scheduled for delivery in Q3 2009.
Further to the deferral arrangement, Virgin Blue has also exercised purchase rights for a further five new 737-800 aircraft as part of the company’s fleet renewal programme. The new aircraft will replace leased aircraft returns.
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