Virgin Australia has confirmed that it will take delivery of its first Boeing 737-10 aircraft towards the end of 2027, as part of an order for ten of the largest 737 models. The 737-10, which seats between 188 and 204 passengers, will become the biggest plane in Virgin's fleet, though the airline has not yet revealed the final seat layout or the distribution between business class, economy x, and economy.
Fleet expansion and modernisation
Virgin Australia's current 737 fleet includes the 700, 800, and MAX 8 series, seating between 134 and 182 passengers. The 737-10 is not yet in service globally, but Boeing is completing final certification flights, and several airlines have firm orders. Erika Pearson, Boeing's vice president of commercial sales and marketing for Southeast Asia and Oceania, expressed satisfaction with continuing as the backbone of Virgin's fleet.
“In addition to offering more seats, introducing the 737-10 will preserve commonality across the fleet, enhance flexibility, and improve environmental performance on both domestic and international routes,” Pearson said.
Performance and competition
The 737-10 has a range of 5,740 kilometres, about 1,000 kilometres less than the MAX 8, but compensates with higher passenger and freight capacity. It is designed to compete with the Airbus A321neo, which is popular at rivals Jetstar and Qantas. Virgin Australia chief executive Dave Emerson emphasised the airline's push for a quieter, more fuel-efficient fleet.
“The 737-10 will be the largest aircraft in Virgin Australia’s fleet and will give us more capacity and more flexibility across our network,” Emerson said.
Milestone and environmental benefits
Virgin recently welcomed its 150th Boeing 737, painted bright red with the names of all 8,000 staff printed on the overhead lockers. An additional eight Boeing 737-MAX 8s will join the fleet before the end of this year. The airline estimates the MAX 8 fleet has saved about 30 million litres of fuel and 77,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions compared to older 737 generations. The MAX 8 is recognisable by its jagged sawtooth engine nacelles.
