The 8 B737-8 aircraft for Virgin will be as follows.

VH-8IA, MSN-65045, LN-8604
VH-8IB, MSN-65047, LN-8724
VH-8IC, MSN-66635, LN-8747
VH-8ID, MSN-66638, LN-8863
VH-8IE, MSN-66644, LN-8882
VH-8IF, MSN-66647, LN-8919
VH-8IG, MSN-66648, LN-8905
VH-8IH, MSN-66650, LN-8944

The 8 for MAX-8, the I for International Config & A-Z being the sequential identification.

The aircraft will be configured as 8 Business Class, 30 Economy X, 138 Economy = 176 seats total.

8IA has rolled out in the current va liv, named 'Monkey Mia'
https://twitter.com/bfi_watch_ca350/...634816/photo/1

They've also 'tentatively' increased their MAX schedule

Adelaide – Denpasar eff 31MAR24
Brisbane – Apia eff 01APR24
Brisbane – Denpasar eff 31MAR24
Brisbane – Melbourne eff 31MAR24
Brisbane – Nadi eff 31MAR24
Melbourne – Adelaide eff 31MAR24
Melbourne – Denpasar eff 31MAR24
Melbourne – Hobart eff 31MAR24
Sydney – Apia eff 02APR24

https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230508-vans247m8

Virgin acknowledging further delays to Max 8 deliveries, Haneda to launch with 737-700.

http://https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/virgin-australia-boeing-737-max-delivery-delay[/URL]

VBY is in AUH getting updates to make this possible, presumably VBZ following soon after.

The ex KLM 700s can't be upgraded to the required standard.

What update works are required to enable the two -700s to fly to HND?

Satcom (data and voice), second HF radio, ACARS, possibly CPDLC.

Thanks! :)

They would have to change AOCs as well I would think to VAI?

There are only two in the VA stable, VA and VARA that are active, with the Tiger AOC retained for future use.

8IA

Aircraft manufacturer: THE BOEING COMPANY
Aircraft model: 737-8
Registration holder:
ZF FRANCE AIRCRAFT 1
c/o 32/F Far East Finance Centre, 16 Harcourt Rd
ADMIRALTY HONG KONG Hong Kong
Registered operator:
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES PTY LTD
PO Box 1034
SPRING HILL Qld 4004
Australia
Serial: 65045
Registration type: Full Registration
Date first registered: 8 May 2023
Registration holder commencement date: 8 May 2023
Registered operator commencement date: 8 May 2023
Country of manufacture: United States of America
Year of manufacture: 2023
Maximum takeoff weight: 81374.00
Engine manufacturer: CFM INTERNATIONAL, S.A.
Engine type: Turbofan
Number of engines: 2
Engine model: LEAP-1B25
Airframe:Power Driven Aeroplane
Propellor model: NOT APPLICABLE
Propellor manufacturer: AIRCRAFT NOT FITTED WITH PROPELLER
Fuel type: Kerosene