Virgin’s last 737 MAX 8 lands in Australia

Virgin had ordered 23 MAX 8s and 25 of the larger MAX 10s prior to COVID-19, but dropped the MAX 8 order in 2020; however, the airline later brought the MAX 8s back onto its order books, targeting eight MAX 8s, then 14, before shifting 12 of its MAX 10 orders to MAX 8s due to issues at Boeing.

The airline has operated the MAX 8 since 2023, with the first, VH-8IA, having arrived late due to issues at then-Boeing supplier Spirit Aerosystems.

Virgin announced in June that it is expecting the first MAX 10 in late 2027 “based on manufacturer Boeing’s positive progress with US regulatory approvals”.

“The 737-10 will be the largest aircraft in Virgin Australia’s fleet and will give us more capacity and more flexibility across our network,” said Virgin Australia CEO Dave Emerson at the time.

“This is an important next step in our fleet renewal program as we continue building a younger, quieter and more fuel-efficient fleet.

“Fleet renewal is the single biggest lever we have to reduce emissions in the near term, and the 737-10 will build on the benefits we are already seeing from the 737-8.”

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The announcement came after Virgin’s 150th 737 in its historic fleet, VH-8VI “Lake Centenary”, which is painted red in a callback to the Virgin Blue days, entered commercial service at the end of May. The airline in June marked three years of 737 MAX operations.

“Across that period, Virgin Australia’s 737 MAX operations are estimated to have saved approximately 30 million litres of fuel and cut more than 77,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions when compared to the previous generation 737-800,” the carrier said in a June press release.

Aside from its fleet renewal program, which also includes introducing the Embraer E190-E2 in WA for regional and FIFO operations, the airline has also spent more than $100 million refurbishing its existing 737-800 fleet, including new interiors for 102 aircraft.