Virgin Australia adds its first Boeing 737-8 MAX 8

Virgin Australia has marked a major milestone in its fleet growth and renewal program, taking delivery of its first new, fuel-efficient 737-8 aircraft in Seattle today.
New MAX family aircraft are all fitted out with next generation seats which include device holders and in-seat power, and are 40 per cent quieter and at least 15 per cent more fuel efficient per flight compared to the 737-800 NG fleet.
A specialist Virgin Australia flight crew, who are experienced in taking delivery of new aircraft, will ferry the aircraft nearly 12,000 kilometres from Seattle, Washington, to the airline’s hometown of Brisbane.
It comes on the same day as Virgin Australia’s inaugural Cairns-Tokyo (Haneda) service which will operate on the 737-8 aircraft from the end of July.
VH-8IA or “Monkey Mia” is one of 33 MAX family aircraft that will join the Virgin Australia fleet in the next five years, delivering an elevated customer experience while supporting sustainability related targets.

Virgin Australia has marked a major milestone in its ongoing transformation, taking delivery of its first new aircraft in the latest generation Boeing 737 MAX family.

The 737-8 aircraft, which offers a quieter and more comfortable flying experience, is the first of 33 MAX family aircraft Virgin Australia will take delivery of over the next five years, after the airline restructured its aircraft order in December 2020.