The new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft will reduce emissions by 15% per flight and the first delivery is expected in 2023.
Virgin Australia, the largest airline by fleet size to use the Virgin brand has announced the decision to add four new aircraft to the airline’s fleet to support the planned growth strategy. The newly added aircraft to the existing fleet of commercial jets will be four Boeing 737 MAX 8, which will join the airline and with an aim to reduce emissions by 15% per flight. The additional aircraft will help Virgin Australia to boost the competition in the Australian aviation industry.
Virgin Australia announced the addition of four Boeing MAX 8 aircraft to its fleet in April 2022 and recently announced another four more MAX 8 are on the way to strengthen commercial operations. The new aircraft would bring the total of the Boeing 737 fleet to 92 (consisting of 737-700s, 737-800s and Boeing MAX 8s). The delivery of the first additional MAX 8 is expected in 2023.
Jayne Hrdlicka, CEO, Virgin Australia said, “Not only will we have increase pilot training capacity shortly, I am delighted that this week we have reached another major milestone with our team growing to over 7,000 team members, which is a real indication of the growth delivered in a very short time by Virgin Australia. Today is not only about investing in our operations, but our people too. We are passionate about creating the best employee experience in Australia aviation and attracting around 2,000 people to our airline in just under two years is testament to the priority we place on our team members.”
The demand for the 737NG simulator training is currently extremely high in the aviation industry. Virgin Australia’s partnership with aviation training provider CAE will be a huge benefit to the airline. With the simulator training, the airlines’ pilots in Western Australia will be able to receive training at their home base, rather than traveling to the East Coast or further afield.
Jayne Hrdlicka, CEO, Virgin Australia, further added, “This is the first time we will have a simulator outside of Queensland or Victoria, and while Virgin Australia’s home will always be in the Sunshine State, it demonstrates the growth and importance of our business in Western Australia and of the state to Virgin Australia. The future of Virgin Australia is bright, and today’s announcements highlight our commitment to maintain strong competition for Australians who want to travel and experience great value. It also underscores our confidence in our underlying performance and commitment to Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
Put simply, the emissions associated with Virgin Australia jet fuel use are the company’s single largest environmental impact, accounting for 98 percent of the total emissions footprint. Virgin Australia is seeking to minimize emissions in a number of ways, in particular through its comprehensive fuel efficiency programs, through a focus on sustainable aviation fuels, and through improved cooperation with key partners.
