V Australia delays 777-300ER deliveries
Virgin Blue's long-haul operation V Australia has delayed delivery of two Boeing 777-300ERs but Virgin Blue has exercised purchase rights for five Boeing 737-800s to replace 737s on lease.
In a statement today to the Australian stock exchange Virgin Blue says V Australia is getting a fourth 777-300ER in this year's third quarter as planned and it is getting another 777-300ER in 2010's second half as planned.
But delivery of two other 777-300ERs, due in 2010, have been delayed to 2011 and 2012, it says.
Boeing does gain something though because Virgin Blue says it has exercised purchase rights for five 737-800s and these new aircraft will replace leased aircraft.
The move to delay 777-300ER deliveries is "a prudent action in the current operating environment and is part of Virgin Blue's ongoing group-wide measures to adjust its business operations to current and forecast trading conditions".
V Australia currently has three 777-300ERS and these are used for services to the USA. The airline, like most international carriers, has experienced a drop in traffic due to the faltering international economy.
