Friday 27 March 2026:Â Virgin Australia has unveiled its first-ever retro livery, celebrating the airlineâs heritage while signalling continued growth and confidence in its future.
The striking all-red livery, revealed as the airlineâs newest Boeing 737-8 aircraft rolled out of Boeingâs 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 Australiaâs âbodies-of-waterâ naming tradition, itâs the airlineâs 150th 737 aircraft since Virgin Blueâs launch in 2000, and the 100th 737 in Virgin Australiaâs 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 AirlinesâŻ(VARA), as the company continuesâŻits historicâŻfleet renewal program.âŻ
Virgin Australia Group CEO Dave Emerson said the arrival of the new aircraft underscores the airlineâs commitment to building a strong and competitive business.
âVirgin 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,â he said.
âThe 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.
âIt 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.
âThe 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.
âOperating 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.
âA newer fleet is also supporting a stable and reliable schedule, with Virgin Australia consistently recording the lowest cancellation rate among major Australian airlines.â
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 â the highest in the airlineâs 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 airlineâs long-term partnership with Boeing and its commitment to investing in modern, lower-emissions aircraft.
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