SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — Virgin Australia Group has revealed the first phase of its fleet growth program, which will see four new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft introduced to its network and F100 aircraft retired from service and replaced by Boeing 737-700s. This is an important step in the airline’s journey towards Net-Zero.
The four new MAX 8 aircraft are scheduled to start flying from February 2023. They will reduce emissions by 15% per flight, compared to the current 737 NG aircraft. Each 737-700 will fly more passengers than the F100 for a similar amount of fuel, resulting in 30% less emissions per seat per trip.
The fleet program is part of a broader growth strategy, which will see the Boeing 737 fleet (currently consisting of 737-700 and 737-800 aircraft) increase to 88 with the inclusion of four MAX 8 aircraft as a result of increasing demand.
Virgin Australia announced its commitment to Net Zero Emissions by 2050 in November 2021. As well as upgrading its fleet, the airline is actively building out its wider sustainability strategy, including investigating operation efficiencies, the use of alternative fuels, and waste management and carbon offsetting programs.
