Australian Airline Gets First 777, after Delay

After delivery was delayed because of last year’s Machinists’ strike against Boeing Co., Virgin Blue Airlines Group Friday finally received its first 777 plane, which will be used by its subsidiary, V Australia.

At ceremonies Friday, Virgin Blue officials including Virgin Group Chairman Richard Branson took delivery of the 777-300 extended range (ER) airplane. After getting final approval by Australian aviation authorities, the plane will begin commercial service between Sydney and Los Angeles on Feb. 27.

V Australia originally planned to begin service in December, but the strike delayed the airline’s inaugural service by more than two months. V Australia plans to take delivery of seven Boeing 777-300ER airplanes, which are built in Everett. The airline plans to include two bars in each of the 777s.