Virgin Australia (VA, Brisbane International) has ordered six incremental B737-8s, increasing its commitment for the type to 14 units. All are scheduled to deliver by the end of 2024.
"Travel demand remains high and we continue to grow and renew our fleet, enabling us to deliver great value and choice in the market. 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," Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Alistair Hartley said.
The Australian carrier currently operates three B737-8s. It does not plan to take any more deliveries this year but will be adding almost one aircraft per month in 2024.
The ch-aviation fleets module shows that before the new announcement, the airline had firm orders directly from the manufacturer for three B737-8s and twenty-two B737-10s. Virgin Australia did clarify whether the newly ordered -8s will be ordered directly from Boeing or from lessors when asked by ch-aviation. The airline said that its total B737 MAX fleet plan was for 39 units.
Virgin Australia also operates nine B737-700s, seventy-five B737-800s (including 15 on the Virgin Australia International AOC), seven A320-200s, and seven Fokker 100s (both types via the Virgin Australia Regional AOC). Its regional operations are also outsourced to Alliance Airlines (seven Fokker 70s and nine Fokker 100s) and Corporate Air (Australia) (five Saab 340B(Plus)).
