A new, one-of-a-kind Boeing 747 aircraft emblazoned with the iconic Millennium Falcon has been unveiled by Virgin Atlantic today.
The plane, which has taken to the skies for the first time today, is part of a secret on-going collaboration between Disney and Lucasfilm and the airline.
The plane, known as “The Falcon”, showcases Han Solo's famous ship has been launched to celebrate the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which opened in Orlando in August.
The aircraft, which had its maiden flight today (September 25) will fly between London Gatwick and Orlando International Airport, transporting holidaymakers to the new Star-Wars themed land at Walt Disney World Resort.
The new and, which is located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is set on Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu, located at the outer rim of the galaxy.
Once there, guests will be able to experience all-new Star Wars attractions and enjoy immersive entertainment, rubbing shoulders with smugglers, rogue traders and adventurers – all the while avoiding the ever-expanding reach of the First Order.
Joe Thompson, Managing Director of Virgin Holidays, said: “We are incredibly proud to see ‘The Falcon’ take flight, featuring the iconic Millennium Falcon, from the much-loved Star Wars saga, as it wings passengers to experience the thrilling, new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
“Over the last three decades, we have taken millions of British holiday-makers to enjoy the magic of Disney and we know that so many of our customers have been excited about planning their trip to experience this new land. We hope those lucky enough to board ‘The Falcon’ will enjoy their journey with us, even more.”
Dave Napper, Senior Engineer, Virgin Atlantic said: “It was a very exciting brief to be able to redesign our aircraft livery to represent something as iconic as the Millennium Falcon and it’s not something that you get to do every day. We have many Star Wars fans within the company who jumped at the chance to get involved in some way, and we cannot wait to see ‘The Falcon’ take flight.”
As well as “The Falcon” official plane unveiling, Virgin Holidays have also launched The Ultimate Star Wars Experience – a curated themed holiday experience to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, which will take off between 15 and 22 February 2020 – which they say will give fans the chance to "live their Star Wars adventure, bigger and bolder than ever before".
