Virgin Australia has confirmed that it has placed an order for six more Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets, which will ultimately bring the total number of 737-8s in the fleet to 14.
With an order already in place for 25 737-10 aircraft, the total number of 737 MAX jets in Virgin Australia’s fleet is set to reach 39.
Virgin Australia announced the latest deal on November 24, 2023, confirming that the six new MAX 8s will arrive in the second half of 2024.
The existing order for MAX 8 jets have already begun to be delivered, with the third 737-8, named ‘Bronte Beach’, arriving on November 24, 2023.
Virgin Australia should now have a total of 11 MAXs arriving across 2024, roughly equating to one per month.
“Travel demand remains high, and we continue to grow and renew our fleet, enabling us to deliver great value and choice in the market,” Virgin Australia Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Alistair Hartley, said. “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 larger MAX 10s, which are still waiting to be certified, are scheduled to start being delivered to Virgin Australia in 2025.
Virgin Australia currently maintains one of the youngest commercial fleets in Australia, with an average age per plane of 11.7 years.