Virgin Australia has paid homage to its origins with a Virgin Blue-inspired livery for its one hundred and fiftieth Boeing 737 plane since launching greater than 25 years in the past.
The 737 MAX 8, VH-8VI “Lake Centenary”, is Virgin’s sixteenth plane within the 737 MAX household, and the one hundredth 737 in its present fleet. Virgin is anticipating 12 MAX 8s to affix the fleet in 2026, in addition to 4 Embraer E190-E2s for Virgin Australia Regional Airways, the primary having arrived final yr.
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“Virgin Australia is within the strongest place it has been in over the previous 25 years, and we’re utilizing that momentum to maintain investing in our future,” stated Virgin Australia CEO Dave Emerson.
“The Boeing 737-8 is central to our fleet renewal and progress program, which is without doubt one of the most essential investments we’re making within the firm.”
Virgin Blue started operations in August 2000 with a pair of 737-400 plane flying between Brisbane and Sydney, and rebranded to Virgin Australia in 2011.
VH-8VI, having left the Boeing manufacturing facility in Seattle, will now bear testing earlier than being ferried to Brisbane in April, the place it should start working on home and short-haul worldwide providers. Virgin launched its first 737 MAX 8, VH-8IA “Monkey Mia”, in 2023.
“It comes at an essential time, guaranteeing we have now the precise fleet to help our continued home and short-haul worldwide progress whereas working effectively in a dynamic setting,” stated Emerson.
“The Boeing 737-8 delivers round 19 per cent higher gas effectivity and is 50 per cent quieter than the previous-generation 737-800, benefiting each our prospects and the communities we serve.
“Working a extra fuel-efficient fleet helps us optimise gas use and handle prices, and stays our only decarbonisation lever within the quick to medium time period.
“A more moderen fleet can also be supporting a steady and dependable schedule, with Virgin Australia persistently recording the bottom cancellation fee amongst main Australian airways.”
Virgin Australia had additionally ordered 25 of the bigger 737 MAX 10s to enhance its Boeing fleet, however shifted 12 of those orders to MAX 8s in September 2024 because of the MAX 10 not but having acquired certification. The change introduced Virgin’s complete MAX 8 order from 14 to 26.
