Friday 27 March 2026: Virgin Australia has unveiled its first-ever retro livery, celebrating the airline’s heritage while signalling continued growth and confidence in its future.
The striking all-red livery, revealed as the airline’s newest Boeing 737-8 aircraft rolled out of Boeing’s Seattle factory, pays homage to the airline's Virgin Blue days (2000-2011), a legacy that helped shape the brand today.
Named Lake Centenary as part of Virgin Australia’s ‘bodies-of-water’ naming tradition, it’s the airline’s 150th 737 aircraft since Virgin Blue’s launch in 2000, and the 100th 737 in Virgin Australia’s current fleet.
The milestone aircraft, registered VH-8VI, is one of twelve 737-8s being delivered to Virgin Australia this calendar year, alongside four Embraer E190-E2 jets for Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA), as the company continues its historic fleet renewal program.
Virgin Australia Group CEO Dave Emerson said the arrival of the new aircraft underscores the airline’s commitment to building a strong and competitive business.
“Virgin Australia is in the strongest position it has been in over the past 25 years, and we are using that momentum to keep investing in our future,” he said.
“The Boeing 737-8 is central to our fleet renewal and growth program, which is one of the most important investments we are making in the company.
“It comes at an important time, ensuring we have the right fleet to support our continued domestic and short-haul international growth while operating efficiently in a dynamic environment.
“The Boeing 737-8 delivers around 19 per cent better fuel efficiency and is 50 per cent quieter than the previous-generation 737-800, benefiting both our customers and the communities we serve.
“Operating a more fuel-efficient fleet helps us optimise fuel use and manage costs, and remains our most effective decarbonisation lever in the short to medium term.
“A newer fleet is also supporting a stable and reliable schedule, with Virgin Australia consistently recording the lowest cancellation rate among major Australian airlines.”
Virgin Blue commenced operations between Brisbane and Sydney in August 2000 with two Boeing 737-400 aircraft. In 2025, more than 21 million guests travelled with Virgin Australia – the highest in the airline’s history.
The new aircraft is currently undergoing final preparations, including test flights, before its ferry flight to Brisbane in April, prior to entering commercial service on domestic and short-haul international routes.
The milestone also marks almost three years since Virgin Australia introduced the first 737-8 aircraft into its fleet, reaffirming the airline’s long-term partnership with Boeing and its commitment to investing in modern, lower-emissions aircraft.
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