Norwegian signs Dreamliner deal with Virgin Atlantic

The agreement enables Norwegian to tap into Virgin Atlantic’s expertise on long-haul operations, while Virgin Atlantic’s instructors will receive pilot training on board Norwegian’s brand new 787-8 Dreamliner. Norwegian’s first Dreamliner is due for delivery at the end of June.

The cooperation with Virgin Atlantic will enable Norwegian’s long-haul pilots to make use of the airline’s vast long-haul experience.

Virgin Atlantic will make all its training material available to Norwegian.

At the same time, Virgin Atlantic’s 787 instructors will conduct the final part of their pilot training on board Norwegian’s Dreamliners.

Virgin Atlantic’s most experienced instructors will continue flying on board Norwegian’s aircraft until the airline receives its first 787 Dreamliner in September 2014, just over a year after Norwegian’s first Dreamliner delivery.

“Introducing a new aircraft type to an airline is an extensive affair.

“It is therefore important that we learn from each other,” said director of flight operations, Norwegian Long Haul, Torstein Hoås.

“Virgin Atlantic is a successful long-haul airline with almost 30 years of Trans-Atlantic experience.

“It will be very beneficial for us to receive this support. At the same time, we are looking forward to helping Virgin Atlantic introduce the 787 Dreamliner to its fleet.

“The cooperation will be a great advantage to both parties,” he continues.

Virgin Atlantic will be the launch customer in Europe of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a slightly bigger version of the 787-8 Dreamliner.

In the agreement signed earlier, Virgin Atlantic states that it will train a number of Norwegian pilots on board its future Dreamliners.

“Virgin Atlantic are delighted to announce our training partnership with Norwegian.

“Our combined experience is being effectively utilised to ensure the safe and efficient introduction of the Boeing 787 aircraft to our fleet.

“We have much in common with Norwegian, having similar high quality training requirements, which has allowed our partnership to take shape,” said captain Dave Kistruck, general manager, flight operations, Virgin Atlantic.