Virgin Australia orders more B737 Max aircraft

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA has increased its pipeline of new Boeing 737 Max family aircraft, with six more Max 8s scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2024, bringing the airline’s total number of Max 8s to 14 and total planned latest generation aircraft to 39 units.

The newest addition to the fleet, Bronte Beach, arrived at the airline’s home city of Brisbane from the US in November.

The 11 remaining Max 8 aircraft are expected to arrive throughout 2024, equating to the delivery of one new aircraft almost every month, enabling both growth and improved fuel efficiency.

The new Max 8 aircraft will reduce emissions by at least 15 per cent per flight compared to older generation 737s, supporting the airline’s 2030 ambition of reducing the intensity of its carbon emissions by 22 per cent and commitment to targeting net-zero emissions by 2050. The 737 Max 8 aircraft also feature new-generation interiors and are 40 per cent quieter than existing 737s. The existing order of 25 larger Max 10s, with an expected delivery from late 2025, remains in place.

Virgin Australia maintains one of the youngest commercial fleets in Australia, with an average age of 11.7 years.

Work is starting on an A$110 million (US$75 million) interior refresh and product upgrade across the airline’s existing 737s. At the time of going to press in December, the first refitted aircraft was scheduled to come out of maintenance in Melbourne. The work includes the installation of in-seat power for all business class and economy seats, the installation of new business class seats, and the installation of new or refreshed economy seats.