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Virgin Australia is retiring the last of its A320s from regional WA services this month.
The carrier, which currently operates four A320-200s inherited from former low-cost arm Tigerair, has been gradually phasing out the aircraft type to simplify its fleet, with Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) jet operations being taken over by Boeing 737s and the new Embraer E190-E2s.
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“Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) continues to modernise its fleet as part of its long-term strategy to deliver greater efficiency, reliability, and flexibility for customers,” a Virgin spokesperson said.
“The fleet renewal program positions VARA to continue meeting the evolving needs of customers, industry partners, and regional communities, while strengthening its ability to compete in a dynamic aviation market.”
VARA’s A320s were, when introduced, among the first – and for a time the only – large-gauge narrow-bodies operating in Australia’s charter market, and most of them carried over an all-economy configuration from their use in Tigerair, which was shuttered in 2020.
Their retirement comes as Virgin continues expanding its use of the E190-E2 on VARA operations in WA, with four of the smaller regional jets now in operation and a total of eight on order.
Virgin’s first E190-E2, VH-E2A, arrived in September last year and is being used for Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) charter and FIFO services in WA, as well as regular passenger transport. It operated its inaugural commercial flight in October 2025.
According to VARA executive general manager Nathan Miller, the new aircraft, which are expected to all be in operation by 2027, mark “a major milestone not just for VARA but for regional aviation in Western Australia”.
“The E190-E2 is currently the world’s quietest and most fuel-efficient single-aisle jet in its class, with the design and range to meet the challenges of the mining regions we operate to across the state,” he said last year.
“This aircraft sets a new benchmark for comfort, efficiency, and sustainability and ensures we are well-positioned to deliver a premium experience for our customers and the communities we serve today and into the future.”
The remaining VARA A320 aircraft are expected to fly their final sectors within the next week and will subsequently undergo maintenance before being returned to the lessor.
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