Virgin Australia has unveiled its first 737-8 and committed to a $110 million upgrade of its 737 fleet to harmonize it with the 33 737-8s it has on order from Boeing.

The Boeing 737-8 aircraft is at least 15 per cent more fuel efficient per flight when compared to the Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800 NG fleet.

Highlights of the new Boeing 737-8 cabin interior, include; in-seat power for all Business Class and Economy seats, much larger overhead lockers, with the capacity to stow up to 50 per cent more carry-on baggage, wider Business Class seats which feature leg rests with extendable footrests, storage compartments, tablet/device holders and water bottle holders and a new Economy seat design, featuring a ribbed backing to elevate comfort and ergonomics.

Economy seats also feature a personal tablet/device holder making it easy to view Virgin Australia's in-flight entertainment.

The interior refresh and product upgrade across Virgin Australia’s remaining Boeing fleet will commence later this year, with the work set to be complete in the next two years, subject to operational requirements and will include the addition of in-flight Wi-Fi and complimentary in-flight entertainment to majority of the remaining fleet.

Virgin Australia Group CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka (above) said she was excited to welcome the Boeing 737-8 aircraft into the fleet.

“It is wonderful to be here [Brisbane] celebrating the arrival of our new fuel-efficient aircraft with the wider Virgin Australia family,” said Ms Hrdlicka.

“Today is also an important milestone for Virgin Australia as we grow and renew our fleet and continue investing in our onboard guest experience.

“Sustainability is so important for the future of the airline industry globally and fleet renewal is a major step in reducing carbon emissions intensity,” she said.

“We anticipate our fleet renewal program, together with other fuel efficiency initiatives, will support over 80 per cent of our 2030 interim target to reduce Virgin Australia’s carbon emission intensity by 22 per cent.”

President of Boeing Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, Maria Fernandez said “it’s wonderful to see Virgin Australia’s first 737-8 in Brisbane, and I congratulate our entire 737 team on its delivery including Boeing Aerostructures Australia in Melbourne, which produced the rudder, winglets and ailerons.

“This aircraft is incredibly fuel efficient and quiet; it also serves as a symbol of our long and growing partnership with Virgin Australia as we collaborate on sustainability initiatives that are important to both our companies and stakeholders.”

Virgin Australia will add the following Boeing aircraft to its fleet:

•        Eight Boeing 737-8 aircraft (one aircraft delivered in June 2023, 7 to be delivered by Q1 2024)

•        25 Boeing 737-10 aircraft (planned delivery from late 2024)

Virgin Australia Boeing 737 seat capacity once cabin refresh is complete:

•        Boeing 737-800 and 737-8 aircraft (31 rows, 8 Business Class seats, 174 Economy seats)

•        Boeing 737-700 aircraft (23 rows, 8 Business Class seats, 126 Economy seats). This includes the introduction of a Business Class cabin on 7 existing Boeing 737-700 aircraft which are currently fitted with Economy seating only.