SPECIAL RETRO LIVERY - Virgin Australia unveils milestone 150th Boeing 737 in special retro livery

“The Boeing 737-8 is central to our fleet renewal and growth program, which is one of the most important investments we are making in the company.

Friday 27 March 2026: Virgin Australia has unveiled its first-ever retro livery, celebrating the airline’s heritage while signalling continued growth and confidence in its future.

The striking all-red livery, revealed as the airline’s newest Boeing 737-8 aircraft rolled out of Boeing’s Seattle factory, pays homage to the airline's Virgin Blue days (2000-2011), a legacy that helped shape the brand today.

Named Lake Centenary as part of Virgin Australia’s ‘bodies-of-water’ naming tradition, it’s the airline’s 150th 737 aircraft since Virgin Blue’s launch in 2000, and the 100th 737 in Virgin Australia’s current fleet.

The milestone aircraft, registered VH-8VI, is one of twelve 737-8s being delivered to Virgin Australia this calendar year, alongside four Embraer E190-E2 jets for Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA), as the company continues its historic fleet renewal program. 

Virgin Australia Group CEO Dave Emerson said the arrival of the new aircraft underscores the airline’s commitment to building a strong and competitive business.

“Virgin Australia is in the strongest position it has been in over the past 25 years, and we are using that momentum to keep investing in our future,” he said.

“The Boeing 737-8 is central to our fleet renewal and growth program, which is one of the most important investments we are making in the company.

“It comes at an important time, ensuring we have the right fleet to support our continued domestic and short-haul international growth while operating efficiently in a dynamic environment.

“The Boeing 737-8 delivers around 19 per cent better fuel efficiency and is 50 per cent quieter than the previous-generation 737-800, benefiting both our customers and the communities we serve.

“Operating a more fuel-efficient fleet helps us optimise fuel use and manage costs, and remains our most effective decarbonisation lever in the short to medium term.

“A newer fleet is also supporting a stable and reliable schedule, with Virgin Australia consistently recording the lowest cancellation rate among major Australian airlines.”

Virgin Blue commenced operations between Brisbane and Sydney in August 2000 with two Boeing 737-400 aircraft. In 2025, more than 21 million guests travelled with Virgin Australia – the highest in the airline’s history.

The new aircraft is currently undergoing final preparations, including test flights, before its ferry flight to Brisbane in April, prior to entering commercial service on domestic and short-haul international routes.

The milestone also marks almost three years since Virgin Australia introduced the first 737-8 aircraft into its fleet, reaffirming the airline’s long-term partnership with Boeing and its commitment to investing in modern, lower-emissions aircraft.

Virgin Australia

FLEET - Virgin Australia expects 12 more B737-8 aircraft to deliver over the next 12 months,

Virgin Australia expects 12 more B737-8 aircraft to deliver over the next 12 months, with nine to be purchased rather than leased. Two more E190-E2 will deliver in the next six months, while A320s will be fully replaced by B737s in 2H fiscal 2026.

Aviator / Photo: Duncan Stewart

Virgin Australia says goodbye to its Fokker 100s

Virgin Australia organized an event at Perth to formally say goodbye to its Fokker 100s. Both remaining aircraft were present, with VH-FNR (11488) being on display in a hangar and VH-FSQ (11450) conducting two scenic flights.

Despite the event, the two aircraft will continue to fly on for a while and are expected to be formally withdrawn from service early next year.

The Fokker 100s are flown by Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, which operated fourteen different airframes over the years. The type is being replaced by the Embraer E190-E2, of which they currently have one in the fleet and seven remaining on order. It also operates four Airbus A320s.

Photo by Virgin Australia.

 

FLEET - AZORRA DELIVERS AUSTRALIA’S FIRST EMBRAER E190-E2 TO VIRGIN AUSTRALIA

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA – 2 September, 2025: Azorra has delivered the first new Embraer E190-E2* twin-engine passenger aircraft to Virgin Australia, marking a new airline partnership for the lessor and the first Embraer E190-E2 to be operated by a major airline group in Australia.

The delivery of the E-Jet was marked by a handover ceremony today at Embraer’s São José dos Campos facility, hosted by senior representatives from Azorra, Virgin Australia and Embraer. With 1,900 deliveries since 2004 the E-Jet is the third most delivered aircraft in history.

These new generation, small narrowbody aircraft will support Virgin Australia Regional Airlines’ fleet modernization efforts as it replaces its current fleet of Fokker 100s with the Embraer E2 variant. Delivered from Azorra’s firm orderbook with Embraer, another three aircraft will be delivered to Virgin Australia later this year and through 2026. Virgin Australia has a total of eight firm orders for E2 aircraft.

The new 100-seat E190-E2 will deliver fuel savings of up to 30% compared to Virgin Australia’s current Fokker 100 fleet, lowering emissions and operating costs on key routes in Western Australia. Powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, the E190-E2 offers greater efficiency, range and superior performance, while its quiet, spacious two-by-two cabin ensures a more comfortable journey for passengers.

John Evans, CEO and founder, Azorra, says: “Welcoming Virgin Australia as a new customer marks a proud milestone for our team as we deliver the first E2 to be operated by a major airline group in Australia and expand our presence in Oceania. The E190-E2 offers outstanding efficiency and reduced fuel burn, making it the ideal aircraft for Virgin Australia’s fleet modernization program. Powered by Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines, this modern aircraft supports Virgin Australia’s commitment to reliable, high-frequency service while enhancing overall operational performance.”

Nick Rohrlach, Group Executive, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, says: “We are incredibly excited by the introduction of the Embraer 190-E2s to the Virgin Australia Regional Airlines fleet. Replacing our Fokker 100s with these next-generation jets allows us to better connect resources industry clients and regional communities across Western Australia with improved reliability, significantly reduced noise, and lower emissions. These aircraft are perfectly designed for the challenging climates and environments we operate in, while offering our customers a spacious and comfortable in-flight experience.”

Arjan Meijer, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation, says: “The delivery of the first E190-E2 to Virgin Australia together with our leasing partner Azorra is a significant milestone for Embraer’s evolution and growth in the region. With its exceptional efficiency, low noise and emissions profile, and enhanced passenger comfort, the E190-E2 will be a game changing step up from the airline’s venerable Fokker fleet, perfectly complementing the airline’s larger narrowbodies.”

Embraer

 

ROUTES - Virgin Australia is requesting an allocation of 28 frequencies per week in each direction, to operate passenger services on the Qatar route

From June 2025, Virgin plans to operate daily services between Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Doha; and from Melbourne from December 2025 — all with B777-300ER.

Photo: Duncan Stewart

FLEET / ROUTES - Virgin Australia is ready to return to long-range flying in June 2025, flying to Doha to from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth with wet leased B777-300ERs from new parter Qatar Airways.

 Photo: Duncan Stewart

FLEET - Virgin Australia swaps MAX10s for MAX8

Virgin Australia has announced it has decided to swap some of its Boeing B737-10s it has on order into the B737-8. In total, it has converted twelve of its 25 B737-10s into the B737-8.

The airline is doing this to ensure the airline is able to continue to take delivery of new aircraft to renew and expands it fleet. This has come under pressure due to the delayed certification of the B737-10. Originally, Virgin Australia was set to take delivery of its first MAX10 next year but this is pushed with at least another year. Delivery of its newly converted B737-8s are set for 2025.

Next to the conversion, the airline will also add additional B737-800s to its fleet and is set to sign leases for at least three former Rex aircraft in the coming months.

The current fleet of Virgin Australia is made-up of nine B737-700s, 75 B737-800s, and eight B737-8s.

Photo by Virgin Australia.

FLEET - Virgin Australia Orders Eight Embraer E190-E2s

- E190-E2 fleet to be based in Perth, Western Australia
- Embraer’s E2 offers outstanding comfort, performance, the lowest noise emissions and fuel burn
- Delivery starts 2H2025


Perth, Australia, 13 August 2024 – Virgin Australia has placed a firm order with Embraer for eight E190-E2 small narrowbody aircraft, as part of its fleet renewal plan. The order will see the E190-E2, the world’s most fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft with the lowest noise emissions, complement the airline’s larger narrowbodies and replace its long-serving Fokker fleet. The order will be reflected in Embraer’s Q3 backlog and deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025.

The announcement event will be attended by the Deputy Premier of Western Australia and Treasurer, Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Rita Saffioti. Virgin Australia’s E190-E2 fleet will be based in Perth and operated by Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA). The aircraft has a flying range of around six hours and is powered by Pratt & Whitney’s PW1900G engines.

“When the new E190-E2 enters service from October 2025, it will become the first new aircraft in the WA charter market this century,” said Jayne Hrdlicka, Virgin Australia Group CEO. “The E190-E2 is the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its segment and will reduce emissions by about 30 per cent compared to the outgoing F100. These aircraft also feature significantly lower noise profiles and enhanced passenger comfort.”

“When the E190-E2 joins the fleet from late next year it will predominantly operate charter flights for VARA, bolstering its position as a leading operator in the WA charter market.

“This is a huge vote of confidence by the Virgin Australia Group in our charter business and the WA market.”

“The E2 is a game changer,” said Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “We are excited to welcome Virgin Australia to the Embraer family and look forward to seeing our best in class E2 - renowned for comfort, quietness, and low emissions – take the Airline to even greater heights.”

Building upon the first-generation E-Jets’ 20 years of operational excellence, the E190-E2’s enhanced aerodynamics, novel wing design, and new technologies deliver significant improvements in carbon emissions and fuel burn. It has been certified to fly with blends of up to 50% SAF and has demonstrated through test flights the engine’s operability with 100% SAF.

Embraer is committed to developing products, solutions, and technologies to contribute to the aviation industry’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Embraer aims to be carbon neutral by 2040 and achieve carbon neutral growth from 2022. It plans to implement 25% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) use in its operations by 2040 and 100% renewable energy sources by 2030.

Since the first Bandeirante took to Australia’s skies in 1978, Embraer’s has firmly established its presence there with close to 50 aircraft currently operating in the country, making it one of the largest E-Jets fleets in the Asia-Pacific region.
EMBRAER

FLEET - Virgin Australia Regional Airlines mulls F100 replacements

Virgin Australia Regional (VA, Perth International) (VARA) intends to replace its aging Fokker 100s with either Embraer or Airbus Canada aircraft types, according to the Airline Ratings outlet, citing a memo to employees written by the carrier's executive general manager, Nathan Miller.

“We have narrowed down the potential replacement aircraft for our F100s to either the E190-E2 or A220-100. These are new-generation aircraft providing superior performance compared to the F100," the memo reads.

The Virgin Australia (VA, Brisbane International) subsidiary currently operates a fleet of six A320-200s and six F100s, primarily on closed charter fly-in-fly-out routes within Western Australia. The Airbus jets are leased, while the Fokkers are company-owned. According to ch-aviation fleets data, the average age of the F100s is 31.3 years.

Miller said that VARA canvassed replacement options for them three years ago, ruling out larger types such as the B737-700 because they were too big for several airports it operates to. He added that he now foresees around four new aircraft entering the fleet from mid-2025.

"The Western Australia charter market is the biggest charter market in Australia, with the most vigorous competition being in the 100-seat segment," the memo reads. "If we go ahead with either of these aircraft, this will be the first time that the Western Australia 100-seat charter market has had new aircraft since the days of Ansett Australia, which would be great for our business and great for our clients."

ch-aviation understands that mid-2025 is the earliest date and is subject to several variables, including aircraft availability.

CH Aviation

Photo: NBAviation

NEW AIRCRAFT - Virgin Australia takes delivery of 1st B737MAX

Virgin Australia took delivery of its first Boeing B737MAX at a special ceremony at Seattle-Boeing Field (WA). The aircraft, B737-8 VH-8IA (65045), is leased via CALC and will be ferried to Brisbane. The plane is scheduled to enter commercial service in July and will initially be deployed on the new Cairns to Tokyo-Haneda route.

In the coming five years, Virgin Australia will take delivery of 32 more B737-8s, which will be used to renew and expand its current fleet of nine B737-700s, and 75 B737-800s. Subsidiary Virgin Australia Regional is operating seven Airbus A320s, and seven Fokker 100s.

Photo by Virgin Australia.

 

Virgin Australia / B737-700W / 2-HBGX

 Ton Jochems - MAS

Virgin Australia to add B737MAX8

Batik Air Malaysia was granted its AOC by the civil aviation authorities of Malaysia, ending the use of the Malindo Air-brand. The rebranding was decided by the Lion Air Group in order to streamline its full-service airlines in the Group, which now consists of Batik Air (Indonesia) and Batik Air Malaysia.

Malindo Air was founded in September 2012 and is a joint-venture between Malaysian Aerospace and Defence Industries and the Lion Air Group. Today, it operates a fleet of twelve ATR72-600s and three B737-800s. In the coming months, the airline is also adding at least five B737-8s to the fleet, two coming from the Lion Air Group and three new from Boeing (but from the Lion Air Group orderbook).

Next to Batik Air, the Lion Air Group also consists of Lion Air, Super Air Jet, Thai Lion Air and Wings Air.
Scramble
Illustration by Batik Air.

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA - B737-800W - VH-BZG

Ton Jochems - BNE

Virgin Australia Airlines ventured into the Hong Kong (HKG) market on 5 July.

It will operate five flights per week on its 275-seat A330-200s from Melbourne (MEL). Chief of Aviation at Melbourne Airport, Simon Gandy, said of the new service: “We are delighted Virgin has chosen Melbourne to expand its international services creating more opportunities for Victorians to travel for business, leisure, education and renewing family ties. Hong Kong is one of our top ten international outbound destinations with around 115,000 people travelling between Melbourne and Hong Kong each year.” The route will face substantial competition, with Cathay Pacific Airways (three daily flights) and Qantas (daily) both offering services on the 7,406-kilometre sector.

Anna - Photo:Duncan Stewart - LAX

Virgin Australia looks for Perth promise for long-haul

The new Virgin Australia service between Perth and Abu Dhabi will also open additional connection options for passengers travelling to and from the capital of Western Australia, with direct connections to 23 European, 15 Middle East and 10 African destinations.

Virgin Australia is to debut its Airbus A330-200 on its first long-haul international missions from June 2017 when it introduces a three times weekly link between Perth and Abu Dhabi. Subject to regulatory approvals, the flight will operate in conjunction with its equity partner Etihad Airways and complement the UAE national carrier’s existing daily service on the city pair.

“Our A330 aircraft will be deployed on a long-haul international route for the first time on flights between Perth and Abu Dhabi, which increases the number of services offered on the route from seven to 10 per week through our alliance with Etihad Airways,” confirmed John Borghetti, chief executive officer, Virgin Australia.

As part of the Perth expansion, Virgin Australia will cease its existing three times weekly Sydney - Abu Dhabi flights from February 4, 2017, although Etihad will boost its own schedule from 11 to 14 weekly flights by adding additional morning departures from Abu Dhabi and afternoon departure from Sydney on its EY450 and EY451 services.

The combined impact of the additional Sydney capacity and Virgin Australia’s Perth shift will boost codeshare flights between the two airlines to 45 weekly rotations. “Australia is a critical part of our network, and we will continue to add capacity in order to meet the growing two-way demand for business and leisure travel,” said Peter Baumgartner, chief executive officer, Etihad Airways.

The new Virgin Australia service between Perth and Abu Dhabi will also open additional connection options for passengers travelling to and from the capital of Western Australia, with direct connections to 23 European, 15 Middle East and 10 African destinations. Newly connected two-way markets for Perth are Athens, Beirut, Geneva, Istanbul, and a number of African destinations including Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Khartoum and Nairobi.
“Virgin Australia’s announcement is great news for Western Australians, and people wanting to visit our great State,” said Kevin Brown, chief executive officer, Perth Airport. “This new direct service offers greater choice when travelling to Abu Dhabi, either as a final destination or for onward travel to Europe, the Americas and Africa.”

The close proximity of Terminal 2 (Regional), Terminal 1 (Domestic) and Terminal 1 (International) at Perth Airport will allow Virgin Australia passengers to transfer easily under one roof between regional, domestic and international services and will also open up additional connection options at this end of the route.

Virgin Australia is also launching a new five times weekly link between Melbourne and Los Angeles from April 4, 2017 using its Boeing 777-300ERs. This route will be facilitated by the closure of the Sydney – Abu Dhabi link and the reduction of Brisbane – Los Angeles schedules from seven to six flights per week from April 7, 2017.

“The United States is a key market for Virgin Australia and this enables us to service Los Angeles from the three biggest gateways in Australia – Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney,” said Borghetti. “In partnership with Delta Air Lines, we will soon offer 25 services each week from Australia to Los Angeles and remain the only trans-Pacific alliance to offer Business Class guests lie flat beds with direct aisle access on all services.”

Richard Maslen - Editor, Routesonline  / Photo:Duncan Stewart - LAX

Virgin Australia to dispose of entire EMB-170 fleet

Virgin Australia says it will dispose of its entire fleet of six EMB-170s - currently on sub-lease to Delta Air Lines (DL, Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson) - before the end of the 2016 financial year as it pushes to realize further cost-savings.

As part of the drive, five of the carrier's eighteen EMB-190s will also be sold off come September of this year.

Lost capacity will be made up through increased use of its B737 fleet, Virgin Australia Group Chief Executive Officer John Borghetti said.

Once completed, Virgin Australia's mainline fleet will consist of six A330-200s, fourteen ATR72-500/600s, two B737-700s, fifty-eight B737-800s, and thirteen EMB-190s.

As previously reported, the carrier's Virgin Australia Regional (XR, Perth Int'l) unit is also planning to retire its entire fleet of eight Fokker 50s.

Virgin Australia has also announced a strategic partnership with Alliance Airlines (QQ, Brisbane Int'l) saying that the two carriers would cooperate in the fly-in/fly-out charter market for natural resource companies operating in Australia. All existing contracts already in place will stay with the current operators, but Alliance and Virgin Australia Regional will assist each other with preferential agreements related to aircraft procurement, spare parts pooling, maintenance and ground handling.

ch aviation

Virgin Australia Regional to sell off Fokker 50 fleet

Virgin Australia Regional (XR, Perth Int'l) is to dispose of its fleet of eight Fokker 50s parent Virgin Australia (VA, Brisbane Int'l) has announced. The decision was taken after a review of the type's future commercial market prospects which, Virgin Australia said, were bleak. As such, the Fokker Aircraft (Woensdrecht) turboprops will be sold off during the first half of next year.

Instead, the carrier says it will make up for the lost capacity by adding four Fokker 100s and an A320-200 - its third. 

According to the ch-aviation aircraft database, Virgin Australia Regional employs its Fokker 50 fleet on a mixture of regular as well as charter contract flights connecting Albany, WA, Esperance, Geraldton, WA, Ravensthorpe with Perth Int'l, Emerald and Miles with Brisbane Int'l, and Carnarvon and Geraldton, WA with Paraburdoo.

Formerly Skywest Airlines (Australia) (XR, Perth Int'l), Virgin Australia Regional also operates fourteen Fokker 100s and fourteen ATR72-500/600s.

ch-aviation

Virgin Australia revises B737 orders to MAX variants

Virgin Australia (VA, Brisbane Int'l) says that during its 2015/15 Financial Year which ended on June 30, it converted seventeen of its B737-800 delivery slots with Boeing (BOE, Chicago O'Hare) to B737 MAX variants. The change now leaves the Australian carrier with forty B737 MAX scheduled for delivery from 2018 onwards.

The seventeen B737-800s affected by the change were to have been delivered through the 2015, 2016 and 2017 financial years Australian Aviation News reports.

ch-aviation

Virgin Australia Los Angeles Service Changes from late-Oct 2014

Virgin Australia from 26OCT14 is increasing Brisbane – Los Angeles service, which sees 4 weekly service being increased to daily, on board Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. With this service increase, the airline will cancel existing 3 weekly Melbourne – Los Angeles route, from the same date.

 VA007 BNE1115 – 0630LAX 77W D
VA008 LAX2305 – 0710+2BNE 77W D Routes Online
Photo:Duncan Stewart

 

Virgin Australia Welcomes FIRB Approval for the Proposed Acquisition of 60% of Tiger Australia

Virgin Australia Holdings Limited (Virgin Australia) today welcomed confirmation from the Foreign Investment Review Board that it has no objections to the proposed acquisition of 60 per cent of the existing shares in Tiger Airways Australia Pty Ltd (Tiger Australia).

This confirmation satisfies another condition for the proposed acquisition of Tiger Australia, which will enable Virgin Australia to access the budget market segment and expedite the growth of Tiger Australia.

The proposed transaction still remains subject to certain conditions and Virgin Australia expects the transaction to complete by mid-July.