Very true, but it doesn't mean FIFO was the primary reason they are in the fleet. So, not sure why you quoted me, but I still maintain that the primary reason they still exist is to service XCH/CCK. But, just my rationale based on the fact that these is the only regularly scheduled flights for these airframes. I also had been assuming the Fokker 100 wasn't able to run that route, but does anyone know for sure? If that's true, then they'd basically be forced to keep these two planes or drop those routes.
Here's a quote from VA:
"However, in a recent statement, VAH confirmed that
Virgin Australia Regional (VARA) would indeed retain its two A320s - VH-FNP (cn 429) and VH-YUD (cn 1922) - for continued use on flights to
Cocos Island and
Christmas Island as well as on charter and FIFO (Fly-In/Fly-Out) contracts."
Virgin Australia Regional to retain A320s
Definitely mentions FIFO as well but doesn't seem like the main reason...