With the Boeing 737-10 going through the certification guantlets, Virgin Australia is setting out its stall for the new aircraft.
Virgin Australia Boeing 737-10 – Coming late 2027. Image, Virgin Australia.
The airline 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.
Virgin Australia currently 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.
When delivered, 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.
Since the airline introduced the 737-8 family in 2023, 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.
Virgin Australia operates both Boeing narrowbodies (with Boeing 737-700, Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737-8). Its subsidiary, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, operates Airbus A320 and Embraer E190s, with Embraer E190-E2s expected.
The airline currently operates 19 Boeing 737-8s, with a further seven expected during 2026, for a fleet of 26 aircraft.
In Quotes
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.”
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.”
Meeting the certification gauntlet
Boeing has been moving through the certification programme for both the 737-7 and the 737-10, as it has had to complete major redesign work on the anti-ice systems, as well as an updated crew alerting system, whilst processing a number of system safety assessments.
Once that certification gauntlet is passed, the deliveries can begin – and Boeing has a big backlog with over 1,400 of the type on order currently. WestJet of Canada is at the front of the queue, expecting its first aircraft during the first quarter of 2027.
We’ll have to see if Boeing can meet the certification requirements and start delivering on its 737-10 promises.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond. Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, in-depth coverage, unique research, as well as the humour and madness I only know how to deliver.
Our Social Media pool has expanded. You can find us across most networks as @economybeyond on BlueSky, Threads, Mastodon and Instagram!
Also, remember that we are part of the BoardingArea community, bringing you the latest frequent flyer news from around the world.
Leave a Reply