Virgin Australia Boeing 737 Max 8

More E2s to offload -700s would be my guess which now seem very comfortable on the east coast. A further 20 MAXs for the 2030-2035 run seems probable. Virgin seem to operate as always on with fleet replacement unlike QF who make one huge order.
 
Updated fleet plan in today's results:
  • 5 737-800s to exit the fleet by FY27 (one already gone).
  • 5 737 MAX 8s due by FY27 (4 already delivered).
  • 2 E190-E2s due by FY27.
  • Assumes 4 737-800s convert from leased to owned aircraft.
  • No mention of the MAX 10 (previously stated late-2027 delivery).
 
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VH-VUP last two flights this afternoon it seems and that’s it’s time with Virgin over.

Was with Pacific Blue until 2014 then converted over.
 
Saab34 said:
VH-VUP last two flights this afternoon it seems and that’s it’s time with Virgin over.
Click to expand...
VUP is scheduled to depart Australia for Malaysia on Monday.

8VK is also scheduled to arrive in Brisbane on Monday. This is the last of the MAX 8 orders to be delivered bringing the MAX 8 fleet to 26 aircraft.
 
Westjet is phasing out its -700 fleet, a VA Lessor has purchased them for parts and re lease. I think VA would take some more 10-15 year old -700s so let’s see what happens.

The -700s originally leased for WA Ops but spend half the time over east.
 
Saab34 said:
Westjet is phasing out its -700 fleet, a VA Lessor has purchased them for parts and re lease. I think VA would take some more 10-15 year old -700s so let’s see what happens.

The -700s originally leased for WA Ops but spend half the time over east.
Click to expand...
I don't really see VA taking any more second hand NGs now that the MAXs are entering the fleet in sizeable numbers.

I say this because:
  • They're returning older leased NGs to lessors;
  • Actively trying to bring down the average fleet age;
  • Wanting to increase the proportion of owned aircraft in the fleet;
  • Didn't take more of the ex KLM, Singapore or Rex NGs when available;
  • The fuel efficiency of the MAX and E2s is important given current fuel costs
On the WestJet 700s specifically, the remaining fleet is getting old. Only 6 aircraft are under 17 years old. The majority are in the 19-22 y/o age range.

The 700s also aren't that much more economical to operate. They have similar operating costs to the 800 but the cost per seat is higher on the 700. Given VA's load factor sits around 85%, they can fill the extra seats on an 800 while delivering a lower cost per seat compared to the 700.

Going forward, I see any fleet growth (even if it's by a small percentage) being driven by new technology aircraft, whether that is MAX 8s, MAX 10s or E2s.
 

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