Virgin Australia to lease more 737s

When are the next lot of MAX 8s due? This year?
Not sure when exactly, but they are due this year. The first one should make an appearance on the flight line in Seattle soon. It has a line number of 9216, and the mid-91xx range are currently being spotted.

The line numbers for these next six are quite close together, so they should arrive in relatively close succession, all things going well.
 
Related, Singapore Airlines confirmed they will be gradually retiring their remaining four 737-800s by the end of NW25/26.

All four remaining MI/SQ 737-800s are currently owned by leasing company Deucalion Aviation.

Deucalion are currently listed as the registered owners (lessors) of VA's VH-VUH and VH-VUG

 
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One seems have gone to a European operator, 9V-MGE. Unknown who the lessor was.

Has there been any confirmation that these four will go to Virgin?
 
Has there been any confirmation that these four will go to Virgin?
It's just pure speculation from one poster. Nothing has been confirmed, and Virgin haven't even indicated that they have any interest in the aircraft.

Not saying it won't happen, but with more MAXs starting to roll in soon and Boeing's delivery schedule becoming more consistent, it's probably less likely to happen.
 
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It's just pure speculation from one poster. Nothing has been confirmed, and Virgin haven't even indicated that they have any interest in the aircraft.

Not saying it won't happen, but with more MAXs starting to roll in soon and Boeing's delivery schedule becoming more consistent, it's probably less likely to happen.
I simply just posted the article and the lessor of the 4 remaining MI/SQ aircraft (which also has the two mentioned VA aircraft on their books) if you are referring to me here.
 
Really is unknown the fleet number they intend to keep the 737 at. Currently 96.

18 more MAX 8s due soon.

8x190s to enter the system shortly. Obviously the -700s will be more regular on the east coast which was expected.

They have spent cash on upgrading the seating in the oldest aircraft, most which are due for a second heavy check, or often scrapping at such age, so that might indicate that they intend to roll these aircraft on post another heavy check and hang on to them.

Western Sydney might chew up half a dozen aircraft also. Not far away.
 
Not really confirmed if VA are committing to WSI at this stage, as opposed to the entire QF group.

Saying that if VA did want to commit to WSI at a later date, I'd tip it'll be later down the track when more -8s are on property.
 
It’s an interesting point as no doubt I expect WSI to somewhat start off as ‘soft’, and build over time.

On the other hand you could say it’s too strategically important to pass on.

Having a whole bunch of aircraft dropped in from the get go from all carriers won’t be great for making money, and it does seem that Virgin is more cautious with that topic these days. Perhaps sit out for initial period and see how it performs. If it’s starting to build and they are losing traffic to the others out west, then perhaps join them.

If Jetstar also move capacity away from Mascot to WSI this will only benefit QF and VA. More reason for Virgin to possibly stay away. I have a feeling thats what QF might do, some capacity from Jetstar will be moved out west with the hope that those price sensitive travellers will go with them.
 
Not really confirmed if VA are committing to WSI at this stage, as opposed to the entire QF group.

Saying that if VA did want to commit to WSI at a later date, I'd tip it'll be later down the track when more -8s are on property.
They've stated previously that they are in discussions with WSI, but I'd guess they are waiting to make any firm commitments until they get the right deal and have more confidence in aircraft delivery schedules.

Also, note the commitment in the Qatar deal to explore opportunities in developing the WSI ecosystem.
 

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