Quieter, more fuel efficient, and equipped with its new generation seats … Virgin Australia has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737-8 MAX plane, the latest generation aircraft in the MAX family.
Now in Seattle, the new Virgin Australia aircraft is expected to arrive in Brisbane on Thursday afternoon.
Describing the delivery as a major milestone in the airline’s evolution, Virgin will acquire 33 MAX family jets over the next five years.
The delivery comes on the same day as Virgin commences its first-ever flights to Japan, a route the MAX aircraft will operate from late July 2023.
Virgin Australia chief operations officer Stuart Aggs said the new MAX family aircraft will allow the carrier to “grow capacity and support more efficient jet services”.
“And importantly, they will reduce emissions by at least 15 per cent per flight compared to the 737-800 NG fleet, supporting our commitment to targeting net zero emissions by 2050,” he remarked.
“While our approach to decarbonisation is multi-faceted, fleet modernisation is a critical part of progressing our sustainability ambitions and represents a significant opportunity to reduce our emissions intensity in the near-term.
“We expect our fleet renewal program, combined with other fuel efficiency initiatives, to support over 80 per cent of our 2030 interim target to reduce Virgin Australia’s carbon emission intensity by 22 per cent.”
New level of comfort
Aggs said the aircraft would complement VA’s current 737 fleet while upping the ante in passenger comfort.
“This aircraft, which has a longer range than the 737-800 NG, will shortly join our new Cairns-Haneda route which is taking off for the first time today, elevating travel between Tokyo and Far North Queensland,” he remarked.
“As well as being more fuel efficient, the 737-8 is approximately 40 per cent quieter than the current 737-800 NG fleet and comes fitted with our new generation seats, which include device holders and in-seat power.”
And its name is …
Virgin Australia’s 737-8 aircraft will be among the first to fly in Australia, but more than 60 airlines are already operating the planes globally.
VA has named the new plane Monkey Mia (registered as VH-8IA) in honour of the World Heritage-listed Shark Bay region of Western Australia.
Boeing vice president commercial sales and marketing, Southeast Asia and Oceania Erika Pearson, said the younger, more fuel-efficient 737-8s will help VA meet its sustainability goals “while providing passengers with enhanced comfort and a more enjoyable flying experience”.
“The unique capabilities of the MAX Family incorporate the latest advanced technology engines and winglets, delivering the highest efficiency in the single-aisle market,” she added.
“The 737-8 will allow Virgin Australia to provide additional capacity across Oceania to service Australia’s dynamic commercial aviation market.”
The plane joins the Virgin fleet under lease from China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC).
As part of an aircraft order it restructured in December 2020, Virgin Australia will acquire eight 737-8s in addition to 25 737-10s from next year. At present, it operates 84 aircraft, most of which are B737s.
Virgin Australia is currently offering its Business Flyer members up to $1000 flight credit for their business while existing members can earn up to $600 flight credit, which can be used to offset future business flights.
Meanwhile, Virgin Australia’s Middle Seat Lottery competition ends in two weeks. So get in fast if you want to take advantage of this unique concept.
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