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Monday 25 May 2025: Virgin Australia’s 150th Boeing 737 has officially entered service today, turning heads with a striking all-red, retro-inspired livery.
But the biggest reveal is inside the cabin, where the names of more than 8,000 Virgin Australia team members are proudly displayed on the overhead lockers.
Lake Centenary is the 100th Boeing 737 in Virgin Australia’s current fleet and the 150th 737 delivered to the airline in the past 26 years. It is also the 17th new generation 737-8 MAX family aircraft to join the fleet since the first, Monkey Mia, was delivered in June 2023.
This year, Virgin Australia Group will welcome 12 737 8s, along with four Embraer E190 E2s for Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, as it continues a major fleet renewal program.
Virgin Australia Group CEO Dave Emerson said the milestone aircraft reflects the vital role Virgin Australia’s people have played in the company’s transformation.
“Lake Centenary is the 100th Boeing 737 in our current fleet and marks a truly monumental milestone. One that reflects just how far we have come since Virgin Blue launched in 2000 with just two aircraft, operating one route,” he said.
“This aircraft is a celebration of our team. Including their names is our way of recognising how important each and every one of them is to our journey.
“Lake Centenary also represents our continued investment in a more efficient and modern fleet. The 737-8 is approximately 19 per cent more fuel efficient than our existing 737-800s and around 50 per cent quieter, delivering meaningful reductions in both emissions and noise.
“Fleet renewal is the most impactful lever we have to reduce our emissions in the short to medium term, while also improving operational efficiency and delivering a better experience for our guests.”
Virgin Australia First Officer Amy Dunn said the arrival of Lake Centenary was a special moment for the team.
“It’s an incredible acknowledgement of the team to have our names printed on the overhead lockers of this very special aircraft,” she said.
“I have no doubt that Flight and Cabin Crew will be incredibly proud to operate this aircraft and will be lining up for the opportunity to fly on it.”
Lake Centenary’s flew its commercial service from Brisbane to Melbourne as VA308.
Its arrival will then be celebrated at a special Virgin Australia Family Day at the Virgin Australia hangar in Brisbane in June.
As part of a longstanding tradition, Virgin Australia names its aircraft after Australian bodies of water, paying tribute to the country’s unique natural environment.
ENDS
