Virgin Australia increases pipeline of 737 MAX-8 aircraft orders

Virgin Australia has increased its pipeline of new Boeing MAX-family aircraft, with six more MAX-8s scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2024, bringing the airline’s total number of MAX-8s to 14 and total planned latest-generation aircraft to 39.

The new MAX-8 aircraft will reduce emissions by at least 15% per flight compared to older generation 737s, supporting the airline’s 2030 ambition of reducing carbon emissions intensity by 22% and commitment to targeting net-zero emissions by 2050. The MAX-8 aircraft also feature new-generation interiors and are 40% quieter than existing 737s.

The existing order of 25 MAX-10s, with an expected delivery from late 2025, remains in place. The larger MAX-10s will transport more passengers for a similar amount of fuel to current 737 aircraft, resulting in 17% less emissions per seat per trip.

Virgin Australia maintains one of the youngest commercial fleets in Australia, with an average age of 11.7 years. In coming days, work will start on an AU$110 million (£58 million) interior refresh and product upgrade across the airline’s existing 737s. The first refitted aircraft is scheduled to come out of maintenance in Melbourne in early December, and the project will be completed during the next 18-24 months. 

The project includes installation of in-seat power for all business-class and economy-class seats, installation of new business-class seats, consistent with the new Boeing MAX-8 aircraft, installation of new or refreshed economy-class seats, with seat design to be consistent with the new Boeing MAX-8 aircraft, as well as introduction of in-flight Wi-Fi and complimentary in-flight entertainment (via a guest’s own personal device) to aircraft not yet upgraded for Wi-Fi.