Virgin Australia B737 Max 8

[HS-TQE]

Not to mention the older 738s that are listed under the "owned" column has a asset value of "$0" (written down by Bain sometime ago iirc - same method as the remaining Fokkers in WA and the two legacy 73Gs), thus they won't be subject to the mortgage repayment requirements of the vast majority of "owned" 738s.

 

[Saab34]

How many 737s do they ‘own’?

I am fairly sure the 25xMAX10s are being purchased not leased. All -8s are leased.

An order for A220 or E190-2 might also assist in some capacity growth, that isn’t far away from being announced. I’d imagine they will be leased. WA based aircraft seem to find themselves on East coast routes more often than one would imagine.

 

[ben95]

column has a asset value of "$0" (written down by Bain sometime ago iirc

Is that not worse than giving them some value? Like the airplane’s mortgage is fully paid off so no negative cash flow so they beef up the asset and “valuation” of the company?

 

[HS-TQE]

How many 737s do they ‘own’?

I am fairly sure the 25xMAX10s are being purchased not leased. All -8s are leased.

An order for A220 or E190-2 might also assist in some capacity growth, that isn’t far away from being announced. I’d imagine they will be leased. WA based aircraft seem to find themselves on East coast routes more often than one would imagine.

I'd suspect the A220 or E190s that are rumoured to be announced for WA's VARA will pretty much be 'quarantined' to WA FIFO/Regional and surrounding states/territories, much like the A320s now with PER-SA/NT services and seasonal weekend Tasmania routes.

 

[antycbr]

Perhaps converting MAX10s or going for some mid life NGs. Fleet planning is going to be interesting here as they are about to get caught out with no ability to grow.

I’m not so sure this is a bad thing. Unemployment is increasing, and a lot of small to medium businesses are struggling. Not committing to over capacity is a IMO a smart move - over capacity contributed to their problems last time.

 

[HS-TQE]

VH-8IG now out of the sheds on their Test runs prior to delivery.

https://flic.kr/p/2pU4yBP

 

[AIRwin]

Looks like 8IG has been flown from Renton to Boeing Field

And now 8IE

 

[Saab34]

8IH is the last one in this batch expected July, then as they reported to the AFR last month, the next 6 won’t start arriving until Q1 2025, assuming a slow trickle once that starts again.

Then a large delivery lull, as they enter the multi year wait until the -10 arrives, Delta are not expecting until 27/28. Hopefully they convert to some MAX9s, but they haven’t been interested in the -900ER in the past, so doubtful.

I do expect something ‘in between’, be it Mid Life NGs or some conversions to other MAX.

 

[Human]

Then a large delivery lull, as they enter the multi year wait until the -10 arrives

I thought I read somewhere that Virgin had changed its order and has now converted its order for the -10s to -8s?

Edit: Looks like there are "reports" of VA "considering" giving up on the -10 and changing its order to more -8s.

Virgin looks to swap MAX 10 order for MAX 8s amid Boeing delays: Reports - Travel Weekly

Reports have emerged that Virgin Australia is looking at alternative options for its delayed order of 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10s as the manufacturer struggles with supply chain issues and increased audits.

www.travelweekly.com.au

 

[Saab34]

No confirmation yet. Obviously it’s an asset that will be held for 20/25 years, the question is if it’s worth trading down vs the long term gain that the extra revenue the -10 will bring in by holding on a few more years. -10 is incredibly important for VA.

I’d say probably hold off switching unless it’s for some of the MAX9, and opt for some mid life NGs like they did from Silkair. 3/4 Mid Life aircraft per year would be suffice over the 3/4 year wait. They will need some aircraft for WSI also.

Still need to deal with the likely slow introduction of the -10, and any potential issues the type may present.

Highly doubt VA will sit idle with no growth for 3-4 years while the others add capacity and its market share shrinks over time.