Saturday, 13 June 2026: Virgin Australia has today confirmed it expects to take delivery of its first Boeing 737-10 in late 2027, marking the next phase of the airline’s fleet renewal program and the arrival of what will become the largest aircraft in its fleet.
The airline has 10 firm orders for the 737-10, with the first aircraft expected to arrive next year based on manufacturer Boeing’s positive progress with US regulatory approvals.
The larger 737-10 will provide additional capacity and flexibility across Virgin Australia’s domestic and short-haul international network, supporting the airline’s strategy to operate an efficient, streamlined fleet.
The announcement comes as Virgin Australia team members and their families gather on Saturday at the airline’s Brisbane maintenance hangar for an opportunity to step on board Lake Centenary, one of its newest Boeing 737-8s, and see the names of more than 8,000 team members printed on the overhead lockers.
Lake Centenary carries a special red livery and marks Virgin Australia’s 150th Boeing 737 delivery and the 100th 737 aircraft in its current fleet.
Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer, Dave Emerson said the expected arrival of the 737-10 was a significant next step for the airline.
“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,” Mr Emerson said.
“This is an important next step in our fleet renewal program as we continue building a younger, quieter and more fuel-efficient fleet.
“Fleet renewal is the single biggest lever we have to reduce emissions in the near term, and the 737-10 will build on the benefits we are already seeing from the 737-8.”
Virgin Australia celebrates three years of Boeing 737 MAX operations in June 2026, with 19 Boeing 737-8 aircraft now in the fleet.
Across that period, Virgin Australia’s 737 MAX operations are estimated to have saved approximately 30 million litres of fuel and cut more than 77,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions when compared to the previous generation 737-800.
The airline will take delivery of an additional seven 737-8s before the end of the calendar year, bringing its total 737-8 fleet to 26.
Mr Emerson said Lake Centenary was also a symbol of the role Virgin Australia’s people are playing in the airline’s future.
“For many of our team members, today is the first chance to bring their families on board, see the aircraft up close and point out their own name inside the cabin,” he said.
“That is a proud moment. It recognises the people behind our transformation and the energy, care and flair they bring to Virgin Australia every day.”
Boeing Vice President Commercial Sales and Marketing, Southeast Asia and Oceania, Erika Pearson said the manufacturer was pleased to partner with Virgin Australia as its fleet modernisation continued, with the 737 MAX family as the backbone.
“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,” Ms Pearson said.
“We remain committed to supporting Virgin Australia as they embark on this new chapter.”
The 737-10 will join Virgin Australia’s growing fleet of new-generation aircraft, alongside the 737-8 and Embraer E190-E2s, supporting the airline’s focus on efficiency and customer experience.
ENDS
