Boeing and Virgin Atlantic Announce Order and Environmental Partnership

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Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Virgin Atlantic have entered an environmental partnership, including an order for 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which is reportedly the largest 787 order to date for Europe.

Boeing said that the order, which is worth approximately USD2.8bn at list prices, was previously listed on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website and attributed to an unidentified customer. The agreement also includes options for an additional eight 787-9s and purchase rights for an additional 20 Boeing 787s.

Additionally, Boeing explained that the environmental partnership includes a joint biofuel demonstration, aimed at developing sustainable fuel sources suitable for commercial jet engines and the aviation industry. Boeing and Virgin Atlantic are also working to reduce fuel burn and cut aircraft emissions on the ground. This initiative includes trials of towing aircraft to "starting grids" close to the active runway to start engines preflight. The aim is to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 50% and to limit noise.

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