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 in the airline’s home city of Brisbane last week from the US.
The 11 remaining Max 8 aircraft are expected to arrive throughout 2024, equating to the delivery of one new aircraft almost every month next year, 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 carbon emissions intensity 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.
In the coming days, work will start on an A$110 million interior refresh and product upgrade across the airline’s existing 737s. The first refitted aircraft is scheduled to come out of maintenance in Melbourne in early December, and the project will be completed during the next 18-24 months.
This includes the installation of in-seat power for all business class and economy seats; the installation of new business class seats, consistent with the new Max 8 aircraft; installation of new or refreshed economy seats, with seat design to be consistent with the new Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft; as well as the introduction of in-flight wi-fi and complimentary in-flight entertainment (via your own personal device) to aircraft not yet upgraded for wi-fi.
“Travel demand remains high, and we continue to grow and renew our fleet, enabling us to deliver great value and choice in the market,” said Virgin Australia chief strategy and transformation officer, Alistair Hartley.
“We are investing in our fleet to best meet our customers’ needs while positioning the business for success in the long-term. A more modern, sustainable, and streamlined fleet is central to our ongoing transformation.”
Separately, Virgin Australia has announced new routes to Uluru, one of Australia’s most popular tourist spots.
The airline will launch four-weekly service between Melbourne and Uluru from 6 June, as well as thrice-weekly service between Brisbane and Uluru from 7 June,
It will be the first time Virgin Australia has ever operated Uluru services from Brisbane and Melbourne.