Virgin Australia will be adding six more fuel-efficient MAX-8 aircraft to its fleet, increasing the number of latest generation aircraft planned to 39 and increasing the MAX-8 order to 14.
Virgin Australia has added six additional Boeing MAX-8s to its fleet of new aircraft. These will be delivered in the second half of 2024, increasing the airline’s total to 14 MAX-8s and its total planned fleet of 39 latest generation aircraft. This afternoon, “Bronte Beach,” the airline’s newest aircraft, will land in Brisbane, the airline’s home city, from the US. The third MAX-8, which arrived in Brisbane today from the US, is one of the 11 MAX-8s that will be delivered in 2024; the remaining 11 are anticipated to arrive next year.
The remaining 11 MAX-8 aircraft are anticipated to be delivered over the course of 2024, which would mean that a new aircraft would be delivered virtually every month of that year. The increased fuel efficiency and substantial growth are made possible by these modern aeroplanes. Compared to earlier generation 737s, the MAX-8 aircraft will cut emissions by at least 15% each trip, supporting the airline’s 2030 aim of a 22% reduction in carbon emissions intensity and its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. In addition to having redesigned interiors, the MAX-8 aircraft are 40% quieter than current 737s.
Alistair Hartley, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Virgin Australia said, “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.”
The current purchase of 25 MAX-10s is still in effect, and delivery is scheduled for late 2025. The bigger MAX-10s will carry 17 per cent fewer emissions per seat per trip when they carry more passengers while using the same amount of fuel as the existing 737 aircraft. With an average age of 11.7 years, Virgin Australia has one of the youngest commercial fleets in Australia. The airline’s current 737 fleet will undergo a $110 million interior redesign and product upgrade in the coming days.
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Early December is when the first refitted aircraft is expected to leave Melbourne’s maintenance facility; the remaining 18 to 24 months will see the project’s completion. Installing in-seat power for all Business Class and Economy seats, installing new Business Class seats that match the new Boeing MAX-8 aircraft, installing new or updated Economy seats that match the new Boeing MAX-8 aircraft, and introducing in-flight Wi-Fi and free in-flight entertainment (via a guest’s own personal device) to aircraft that have not yet had their WiFi upgraded are all part of the project.
