Virgin Australia took delivery of their first 737-8 MAX at a ceremony in Seattle on Wednesday, June 28th. On the same day, the carrier launched their maiden flight between Cairns and Tokyo-Haneda.
On Wednesday (June 28, 2023), Virgin Australia celebrated the delivery of their first 737-8 MAX on lease from China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC) at a ceremony in Seattle. This is the first of 33 737 MAX Family airplanes that carrier has on order, and will deliver a 15 percent reduction in fuel burn versus the carrier’s 737-800NG fleet, as well as a 40 percent smaller noise footprint. The aircraft, registration VH-IA, ‘Monkey Mia’, was ferried on the nearly 12,000 km flight from Seattle to the airline’s hometown of Brisbane with a specialized Virgin Australia crew. In addition to eight 737-8s on order, Virgin Australia has also ordered 25 of the higher capacity Boeing 737-10 model.
In Wednesday’s announcement, Virgin Australia’s Chief Operations Officer, Stuart Aggs, said,
“These new aircraft will allow us to grow capacity and support more efficient jet services. And importantly, they will reduce emissions by at least 15 per cent per flight compared to the 737-800 NG fleet, supporting our commitment to targeting net zero emissions by 2050. While our approach to decarbonisation is multi-faceted, fleet modernisation is a critical part of progressing our sustainability ambitions and represents a significant opportunity to reduce our emissions intensity in the near-term.
“We expect our fleet renewal program, combined with other fuel efficiency initiatives, to support over 80 per cent of our 2030 interim target to reduce Virgin Australia’s carbon emission intensity by 22 per cent. This aircraft, which has a longer range than the 737-800 NG, will shortly join our new Cairns-Haneda route which is taking off for the first time today, elevating travel between Tokyo and Far North Queensland. As well as being more fuel efficient, the 737-8 is approximately 40 per cent quieter than the current 737-800 NG fleet and comes fitted with our new generation seats, which include device holders and in-seat power.”
Also commenting on the milestone delivery, Boeing’s Vice President – Commercial Sales & Marketing, Southeast Asia and Oceania, Erica Pearson, said,
“Operating younger, more fuel-efficient 737-8 airplanes will support Virgin Australia to take key steps in meeting its sustainability goals, while providing passengers with enhanced comfort and a more enjoyable flying experience. The unique capabilities of the MAX Family incorporate the latest advanced technology engines and winglets, delivering the highest efficiency in the single-aisle market. The 737-8 will allow Virgin Australia to provide additional capacity across Oceania to service Australia’s dynamic commercial aviation market.”
Aircraft lessor CALC’s CEO and Chief Commercial Officer, Winnie Liu, added,
“It is great to work with Boeing and Virgin Australia on the 737-8 successful delivery. The arrival of the first 737-8 not only marks a milestone in CALC’s history as it is the first aircraft type in our fleet but also boasts unparalleled fuel efficiency and gives strong support to the airline’s sustainable fleet optimisation program. CALC has been investing in cutting-edge technology aircraft models with a deep focus on sustainable and green fleet solutions. We will continue to drive energy-efficient aircraft models and contribute to reaching net zero emissions by 2050 with all aviation partners.”
Virgin Australia Celebrates the Delivery of Their First Boeing 737-8 MAX - Courtesy Virgin Australia
In a separate press release on Wednesday (June 28, 2023), Virgin Australia announced the launch of their inaugural flight between Cairns and Tokyo-Haneda. The flight, VA77, departed Cairns at 13:15 AEST and arrived in Tokyo at 20:00 (JST). The route will operate year-round on a daily basis and from the end of July 2023 will be served by the carrier’s new Boeing 737-8 MAX. Virgin Australia has also unveiled a new Business Class and Economy menu on the route featuring signature Japanese dishes and an array of iconic Japanese snacks, alongside classic Western meal options.
In Wednesday’s announcement, Velocity Frequent Flyer’s CEO and Japan Services Representative, Nick Rohrlach, said,
“Today marks the start of our highly anticipated services to Haneda, Tokyo, which means Australian travellers will benefit from greater value and choice when flying to Japan as we expand our international footprint. We know that Cairns has consistently ranked as one of the most popular tourist destinations among Japanese visitors to Australia and we are thrilled to unlock a new convenient gateway for Japanese travellers to explore all Far North Queensland has to offer, while injecting a welcome boost of tourism into the region.
“To celebrate this significant milestone, we have today launched a Tokyo airfare sale with return Economy fares from as low as $699 [T&Cs apply] until midnight next Tuesday. We expect the fares to sell out quickly so we are encouraging travellers to get in early to make the most of the sale. Today is also a significant day for Velocity members who can now earn and redeem Points when travelling to over 500 destinations around the world with Virgin Australia and our partner airlines.”
Also commenting on the new Cairns-Tokyo service, Cairns Airport’s Chief Operating Officer, Garry Porter, said,
“With the mild winter weather in Tropical North Queensland our region offers the perfect backdrop for visitors to enjoy our natural attractions and cultural experiences, everything the Japanese enjoy. It has been more than a decade since we had a full-service carrier servicing the route from Tokyo to Cairns, and that coincided with peak Japanese visitation, which is a great indication of the potential of these new flights.
“With Virgin Australia’s extensive domestic network in Cairns we also expect to see travellers from southern states opt to travel via Cairns to visit Japan, especially during the Japanese winter ski season, which is always a drawcard for Aussie winter sport enthusiasts.”
Virgin Australia Celebrates the Launch of Inaugural Service Between Cairns and Tokyo-Haneda - Courtesy Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia currently offers daily flights between Cairns and other major capital cities such as Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, facilitating one-stop connectivity to/from Tokyo and the East Coast of Australia. The carrier currently serves six international destinations, including Tokyo, Bali, Queenstown, Nadi Port Vila (Vanuatu) and Apia (Samoa).
Courtesy Virgin Australia