A Virgin Atlantic flight from Los Angeles to London has left aviation fans awestruck after the routine commute reached a jaw-dropping 801 mph (1,289kph) – nearly breaking the sound barrier – due to a strong jet stream.
The Boeing 787-9 twin jet was passing over Pennsylvania when it crossed paths with a conspicuously vigorous jet stream – quick flowing, slim air currents within the ambiance.
At 35,000 toes (nearly 11km), the plane was propelled ahead by Mother Nature at a whopping 801mph (1,289kph). Not too shabby for a plane which has a cruising velocity of 561mph (903 kph). Thanks to the useful increase, the Virgin Atlantic flight arrived in London a full 48 minutes early.
The flight – which can have set a Dreamliner velocity document – instantly caught the eye of Twitter, with even aviation trade insiders expressing their amazement.
“Never ever seen this kind of tailwind in my life as a commercial pilot,” wrote Peter James, whose Twitter bio lists him as a jet captain with 25 years of expertise.