Virgin Australia has ordered six more Boeing 787 MAX-8s for its domestic and short-haul international routes, bringing the total fleet pipeline to 14 with one new plane delivered almost every month in 2024 as well as overhauling its existing B737 fleet.
The extra 787 MAX-8 aircraft will bring Virgin Australia’s total planned next-gen aircraft to 39 and serve destinations including Fiji, Bali and Samoa.
The newest addition, ‘Bronte Beach’, touched down in Brisbane from the US on 24 November 2023 with the 11 remaining MAX-8 aircraft expected throughout 2024, enabling both growth and improved fuel efficiency for the carrier.
New MAX-8 aircraft reduce emissions by at least 15 per cent per flight compared to older 737s, supporting VA’s 22 per cent carbon emission reduction target by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
The MAX-8 aircraft also feature new-gen interiors and are 40 per cent quieter than existing 737s.
VA has one of the youngest commercial fleets in Australia with an average aircraft age of 11.7 years.
Further fleet upgrades
From late 2025, VA is expected to receive an existing order of 25 MAX-10s. The larger planes will transport more passengers for a similar amount of fuel to current 737s for 17 per cent less emissions per seat per trip.
The airline’s $110 million interior refresh and product upgrade for existing 737s will commence soon. The first refitted aircraft is scheduled to come out of maintenance in Melbourne in early December with the project due for completion over the next 18-24 months.
VA Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer Alistair Hartley said: “Travel demand remains high. We are investing in our fleet to meet our customers’ needs best while positioning the business for success in the long term. A more modern, sustainable, and streamlined fleet is central to our ongoing transformation.”
Virgin Australia recently floated a potential VA/NZ codeshare agreement and offered half-price Virgin Voyages sailings for VA customers.
For more info, head to virginaustralia.com
