Stored Virgin Jets

[Dave J]

Anyone out there know why VUM and VUN have been stored in Melbourne for several weeks now?

Both have been parked outside the old John Holland sheds since mid March!

[Daniel M]

Seems long term. Both have that silver foil over the cockpit windows, tape up vents and covered landing gear etc.

[Dave J]

Looks like VUM is ferrying to Christchurch tonight

[Mackenzie Davis]

VH-VUM now returning from Christchurch. I wonder if VUN will follow suit and spend a few days at Christchurch...

[Rowan McKeever]

VH-VUN (http://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHVUN) positioned to CHC last evening as VA9948. VH-VUM hasn't yet flown since returning CHC-MEL.

[Dave J]

Both jets are back in storage in Melbourne

[Alex T]

No definite answer but here's an AA article:
http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/07/stored-virgin-australia-737-all-taped-up-with-no-place-to-go/

[Steve S... 2]

They have four new 738's about to be delivered too.

Seems odd that if VUM & VUN lease has expired, then why sit on the ground in MEL and not returned to lessor.

Also wonder why they painted 738's in the new livery if lease expiries would occur some months later.

[Greg Hyde]

They were leased from CIT in Oct/Nov 2007 respectively.

[Dave J]

Both leave Australia and return to lessor in September. Going to Singapore for end of lease maintenance at this time. YFS is due in September at this stage followed by another 3 new builds shortly thereafter.

[NathanJ]

Also wonder why they painted 738's in the new livery if lease expiries would occur some months later.

The contract with Flying Colours Townsville for the repaint of the remaining 24 737's was signed off sometime in mid-late 2013 with these two repaints happening during mid 2014.

A lot has changed in the way the various 737 sub fleets are scheduled (domestically & internationally) since these two have been repainted.

The ZK registered 737 fleet are now back on the Australian register with at least half of them operating domestically.

The entire E190 fleet is now based on the east coast which has again changed the day to day scheduling of flights.

In the end VUM & VUN re-leasing cost is probably unjustified given the pending arrival of newer aircraft with a better product offering (Boeing Sky Interior 737's) that and a more modest approach to adding capacity to an already saturated domestic market.

[Stefan Perkas]

Morning all,

VH-VUM departed Melbourne for Jakarta this morning

[Alex Ch]

VH-VUM departed Melbourne for Jakarta this morning

Non-stop in 7 hours 38 mins. That's a long haul in a 73!

[Rowan McKeever]

Non-stop in 7 hours 38 mins. That's a long haul in a 73!


Cool coincidence... 7:38!

[Greg McDonald]

That would be a horror flight in a 738!!