Boeing Strike Delays Launch of V Australia
VirginBlue has postponed the launch of its planned V Australia trans-Pacific services, scheduled for December 15, until at least February 28, because the m

VirginBlue has postponed the launch of its planned V Australia trans-Pacific services, scheduled for December 15, until at least February 28, because the machinists strike at Boeing will delay delivery of the first 777-300ER slated to perform the service.   

Boeing has nearly finished three of the airline’s 777-300ERs, including one that it painted in V Australia’s new colors. The first aircraft sits on the Boeing flight line in Everett, Wash., virtually ready for delivery, except for galleys that need fitting by the striking machinists. As a result, Virgin Blue said it considered the only responsible course of action “was to nominate a revised V Australia launch date of February, 28, 2009, to protect the interests of its guests.” It now plans to launch its Sydney-Los Angeles service on that day.