VA ‘new’ B737-700s

[Rowan McKeever]

Morning folks, I wondered if anyone might have some details re the 'new' VA 737-700s. We know from the press release that they will go into service in Q1 of CY23 but we still don't have any firm detail about their origin or actual EIS, do we? I ask because looking at VA schedules for January I note there are 8 lines of flying for the 73W including 6 based at BNE and 2 based out of PER. Surely this suggests the aircraft should begin arriving in Australia in the not-too-distant future? Appreciate any info, please and thank you!

[MarkR]

There is a significant new pilot influx with September and October start dates

[lloyd fox]

Hi Rowan everything that i have read states the 7 new 700'are to be PER based replacing the VARA F100's ?

Also what is the trick to look up the VA schedules as their are none that i can find on the their web site .You have to go in and book a flight to find out the aircraft type.I must be missing something.

Sorry i do not know their delivery details.Cheers.

[Yusef D]

We keep hearing that the first if the ex KLM batch is due in September, so pretty soon.

The CEO said she'd get more if she could, and expects to when KLM get their A220s to replace 73Gs... but I don't think KLM are getting A220s in their own right, only E2s.

The company line is that they'll replace the F100s, with the 73Gs initially crewed by VAA crew to relieve F100 pilots, enabling them to get 737 type ratings.

Rowan, I'd be very appreciative if you cold direct me to where the 6 lines of 73G flying ex BNE can be found.

[Yusef D]

...and they'll have 24K (24,000lb thrust) engines so they'll have plenty of grunt.

[MarkR]

Rowan, I'd be very appreciative if you cold direct me to where the 6 lines of 73G flying ex BNE can be found.

ROK, MKY and TSV seem popular destinations in Feb with ROK on some days 100% 737-7. If you have GDS access you can bring up timetables/scheds

[Yusef D]

Interesting.

I don't think I have GDS access.

I would have thought that if 737-700s are good replacements for VARA F100s in the West wouldn't they be good replacements for Alliance F100s in the East? Especially ports like ROK and NTL that don't have limiting runways.

[Kent Broadhead]

Does anyone know whether the KLM frame that had the inflight cargo door issue last week will be coming over?

[Rowan McKeever]

Thanks for the info, folks! I must've missed the bit about September but certainly figured they must be starting to arrive very soon.

I don't have GDS access any more either, and VA don't have online schedule/timetable like QF do, I've just used their booking system (dummy bookings only, sadly!) and verified with the seat maps that appear if you progress a little way through a booking. In mid January, the BNE-based units will be operating to ADL, CNS, MKY, ROK and TSV, with occasional CBR and HBA turns as well. The PER-based units will be operating to ADL, BME, KGI, KTA, LST, KNX, ZNE and PHE, with from memory a single DRW turn per week.

[Yusef D]

Very very interesting Rowan.

Again this is a little different from what the company is telling its people.

Do the airframes show a two class config? Employees were told the "VARA" 73Gs will be one class, as are the F100s and A320s. A little over 140 seats IIRC. Virgin Blue 700s had 144, and the current pair are 120Y/8J.

[Rowan McKeever]

They’re showing the current VA configuration but with Business bookable as economy, at least on the flights out of PER. I’m not sure if J is bookable from BNE, to be honest.

[Dennis McLean]

I have just had a look on Flight Aware at the Current KLM fleet of 10 aircraft. PH-BGF ferried to Norwich on 8/8/22, could it be the first??
BGK, BGL, BGT, and BGX are flying with KLM but, BGG, BGH, BGI, BGM, and BGQ are flying with Transavia.
Of the 8 that have left the fleet, 2 are flying with Luxair, from July 19, 2 with Equair from Dec 21 and 1 with Arik Air from Aug 21. There are 3 stored, 1 in Montpellier, France, 1 in Alguaire Spain and the other at Kaunas in Lithuania, one in Aug 21, one in Sep 21 and the other Dec 21.

[Greg Hyde]

List of the current KLM B737-700s

PH-BGF 30365/2714 Boeing 737-7K2(WL) CY142 15/12/08 Withdrawn@NWI
PH-BGG 30367/2835 Boeing 737-7K2(WL) CY142 18/03/09 InService
PH-BGH 38053/3119 Boeing 737-7K2(WL) CY142 16/12/09 InService
PH-BGI 30364/3172 Boeing 737-7K2(WL) CY142 16/02/10 InService
PH-BGK 38054/3292 Boeing 737-7K2(WL) CY142 11/06/10 InService
PH-BGL 30369/3407 Boeing 737-7K2(WL) CY142 23/09/10 InService
PH-BGM 39255/3569 Boeing 737-7K2(WL) CY142 26/04/11 InService
PH-BGQ 39256/3675 Boeing 737-7K2(WL) CY142 22/06/11 InService
PH-BGT 38634/3762 Boeing 737-7K2(WL) CY142 07/09/11 InService
PH-BGX 38635/3811 Boeing 737-7K2(WL) CY142 24/10/11 InService

As Dennis mentioned above BGF ferried to Norwich on 8/8, so potentially (maintenance & refresh & repaint) be available to VA late next month.

[Greg Hyde]

Does anyone know whether the KLM frame that had the inflight cargo door issue last week will be coming over?

Kent, the a/c is PH-BGT which has returned to service & is in the above list.

[Kent Broadhead]

Kent, the a/c is PH-BGT which has returned to service & is in the above list.

Thanks Greg!

[Rowan McKeever]

I have just had a look on Flight Aware at the Current KLM fleet of 10 aircraft. PH-BGF ferried to Norwich on 8/8/22, could it be the first??
BGK, BGL, BGT, and BGX are flying with KLM but, BGG, BGH, BGI, BGM, and BGQ are flying with Transavia.
Of the 8 that have left the fleet, 2 are flying with Luxair, from July 19, 2 with Equair from Dec 21 and 1 with Arik Air from Aug 21. There are 3 stored, 1 in Montpellier, France, 1 in Alguaire Spain and the other at Kaunas in Lithuania, one in Aug 21, one in Sep 21 and the other Dec 21.

I agree it seems likely that BGF could be one of the first.

Of the now former KLM aircraft Dennis mentioned, OE-IBZ (former PH-BGR, since returned to lessor Avolon) is the one stored at KUN and I note it flew what appears to be a 1.5 test flight on the 19th of August. I wonder if it might also be headed this way?

[Greg Hyde]

From yesterdays Virgin (re-)announcement.


Virgin Australia has secured priority access to a Boeing 737NG full-flight simulator in Perth which will deliver a 25 per cent increase in domestic training capacity for more than 200 pilots based in Western Australia who are retraining on the aircraft type as the airline continues its growth of Boeing 737 aircraft.

Simulator access will be available as soon as April 2023 through a long-term partnership with global aviation training provider CAE.

Virgin Australia Group has today announced four additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and priority access to a Boeing 737NG full-flight simulator that will be deployed in Jandakot, near Perth, as part of a long-term partnership with global aviation training provider CAE.

Full release

https://newsroom.virginaustralia.com/release/virgin-australia-expands-boeing-737-max-8-fleet-and-secures-access-full-flight-simulator

[Dennis McLean]

OE-IBZ, one of the ex KLM 737's flew KUN/MCT yesterday. Today it left MCT at 07.37am and is now over the Indian Ocean flying south east to????? Is this the first for VA??

[Dennis McLean]

Also PH-BGF has returned to KLM in Amsterdam yesterday evening, so perhaps it is not coming???

[Dennis McLean]

IBZ well over India now, no indication of the destination yet.

[Yusef D]

Each ex KLM 73G will take about a month of heavy maintenance, cockpit and cabin reconfiguration in Singapore. Aircraft will overlap there. First one should make it to Brisbane early October. All 7by March/April.

[James Smith]

Just about to land in XSP.

[Greg Hyde]

PH‑BGR/OE-IBZ was withdrawn on 25/06/21.
Ferried, Amsterdam to Norwich on 26/07/21 to be painted all white.
Returned to Amsterdam 02/08.

[Yusef D]

Expect the regos to be in the VH-Nxx series. Not numbered regos yet.

[Yusef D]

The first one, 3728, will be VH-NBV

[Yusef D]

And despite the new Virgin rebranding the first ex KLM -700 has been photographed in standard VA livery.

[Greg Hyde]

Aren't they operating under the VA AOC so that they can be used anywhere on the VA Network

[Greg Hyde]

The first one, 3728, will be VH-NBV

NBV was added to the register on 12/09/2022 to VIRGIN AUSTRALIA AIRLINES PTY LTD

[Yusef D]

Aren't they operating under the VA AOC so that they can be used anywhere on the VA Network

Yup. They can be flown by any Virgin 737 pilot on any Virgin route. The existing VARA F100 pilots will effectively transfer to the VAA AOC and pay/work conditions, they can fly any 737NG anywhere. And potentially Max in the nearish future. The work rules will be altered to permit some of the early morning charter ops.

[Tristan S]

6 more 737-700s are now listed in the 'Future' fleet for VA, no VH- regos yet.
All are ex-KLM, PH-BGX/BGK/BGL/BGT/BGU/BGW

Interestingly, 3 are still flying with KLM.

[Greg Hyde]

KLM is going through a fleet update replacing B737-700's with A320neos.

The 3 that are still operational will be released as new Neo's arrive.

[Dennis McLean]

BGU (Alguaire) and BGW (Montpellier) have been stored since 22/12/21 and 30/09/21 respectively, but from my last check the other 4 are still flying with KLM.

[Tristan S]

BGT was WFU on the 2nd (so a few days ago) and has been sitting in AMS since.

[Dennis McLean]

Thanks Tristan

[Greg Hyde]

Boeing 737 -7K2 38128 3797 VP-CET Aviation Capital Group ferried 10oct22 MPL-DWC on delivery to? ex PH-BGW

[James Smith]

Boeing 737 -7K2 38128 3797 VP-CET Aviation Capital Group ferried 10oct22 MPL-DWC on delivery to? ex PH-BGW

Skyliner has now added DWC-XSP to VP-CETs delivery flight for Virgin Australia, but with no VH registration. No movement of VH-NBV from XSP as yet.

[Zac M]

NBV has a flight plan filed for tomorrow, VOZ9948 XSP-BNE arriving at 1906L


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Greg Hyde]

NBV is on its way.

It is interesting to note that as KLM finish (or about to finish) with these birds they are flown to Norwich to be repainted ALL WHITE.

The latest one to be withdrawn PH-BGT was yet to make the trip to the paint shop.

[Tristan S]

Was there weather around Indonesia? looks to have taken a more easterly track than usual for XSP to BNE.

[Rowan McKeever]

For those who haven’t seen on Facebook or the like, NBV arrived into BNE yesterday in standard VA livery and named Christies Beach.

[Tristan S]

Skyliner has now added DWC-XSP to VP-CETs delivery flight for Virgin Australia, but with no VH registration. No movement of VH-NBV from XSP as yet.

Now been registered VH-NBP

[Greg Hyde]

VH-NBP was added to the register on 14/10/22

[lloyd fox]

Long distance pic of VH-NBV 2 days ago...You can see the new Virgin titles on the inside of the far winglet.Double click on photo to enlarge.:)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/79487691@N07/52452582395/in/dateposted/

[Yusef D]

NBV has some serious teething issues, rework required.

VA planning to induct 1 airframe per month for next 15 months... 7 73G and 8 Max8.

NBV Oct
NBP Nov
NHW Dec
NJV Jan 2023
NQJ Mar
NQY Apr
NVW May

Max from March

73G to get bugs ironed out on east coast before rotating through Per charter runs.

[lloyd fox]

VH-NBV
https://www.flickr.com/photos/79487691@N07/52475425691/in/dateposted/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/79487691@N07/52475883250/in/dateposted/

[Greg Hyde]

PH-BGT has ferried from NWI to AMS after being repainted in FULL VA livery

tbc It looks like it will become VH-NJV and named "Little Beach"

[Mayer F]

PH-BGT has ferried from NWI to AMS after being repainted in FULL VA livery

tbc It looks like it will become VH-NJV and named "Little Beach"
Photo here:

https://www.planespotters.net/photo/1344848/ph-bgt-virgin-australia-boeing-737-7k2wl

P. S.- I read elsewhere it will leave AMS around mid-December as 2-HBGT.

[Greg Hyde]

Photo here:

https://www.planespotters.net/photo/1344848/ph-bgt-virgin-australia-boeing-737-7k2wl

P. S.- I read elsewhere it will leave AMS around mid-December as 2-HBGT.

Thanks for update.

It will be interesting to see if goes into storage in Europe or straight to Singapore.

[James Smith]

PH-BGT has performed a 2 hour test flight AMS-AMS yesterday. It maybe headed to XSP sooner rather than later.

[James Smith]

2-BBMH, ex PH-BGU has just arrived in DWC from ILD presumably on its way to XSP and destined for VA.

[Greg Hyde]

Boeing 737 -7K2 38534 3762 VH-NJV Virgin Australia ferried 09nov22 NWI-AMS, PH-reg after paint "Little Beach" prior delivery regd 2-HBGT ex PH-BGT
Boeing 737 -7K2 39257 3779 2-BBMH BBAM Aircraft Leasing ferried 10nov22 ILD-DWC on deliver y to Virgin Australia ex PH-BGU

[Tristan S]

The second 737, VH-NBP, is due into BNE at 1800L this evening as VA9948
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/vh-nbp

[Greg Hyde]

That would explain 2-BBMH arrival in Singapore yesterday to take VH-NBP place.

[Tristan S]

NBP entered service today, operating VA1210.
She is currently sporting the albino look.

[James Smith]

I take it that NBP is all white, Tristan? Any insignia or markings at all?

[James Smith]

I take it you mean that NBP is all white, Tristan? Any insignia or markings at all?

[Tristan S]

I take it you mean that NBP is all white, Tristan? Any insignia or markings at all?

Yep, all white - nothing on her except a rego.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ClHsqkQhZ4O/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

[James Smith]

Thanks Tristan. I can see why 2-HBGT has been painted in NWI prior to leaving its homeland.

[Tristan S]

The next aircraft has been added to the register:
NHW THE BOEING COMPANY 737-7K2 39257 16/11/2022 ADD VENUS AIRCRAFT LEASING 2 LIMITED

[Yusef D]

Both NHW and NBP are listed as white tail aircraft. Any ideas why they're not in VA livery?

[Tristan S]

I would say time, from what I have read VA are keen to press them into service ASAP.

[Yusef D]

I would say time, from what I have read VA are keen to press them into service ASAP.


A very reasonable point.

[Alex Ch]

What is the seating config for these 'new' frames? Do they have VA or KLM interiors?

[Yusef D]

What is the seating config for these 'new' frames? Do they have VA or KLM interiors?


138 economy seats.

As opposed to VBY and VBZ that have 8 J and 120 Y.

[MarkR]

138 economy seats.

As opposed to VBY and VBZ that have 8 J and 120 Y.

First 4 rows economy x

[Mayer F]

PH-BGT has ferried from NWI to AMS after being repainted in FULL VA livery

tbc It looks like it will become VH-NJV and named "Little Beach"
I read the aircraft above is being planned for a delivery flight as 2-HBGT on December 8th.

[James Smith]

That would make sense as VH-NHW must be just about ready to leave XSP and 2-HBGT will replace her in maintenance. NHW also did a blip on FlightAware yesterday as well.

[Greg Hyde]

For the ones in Europe:

PH-BGX is currently in Norwich (for paint ?)
PH-BGK was withdrawn on 25/11

[Dylan Hardie]

NBP looks or will be making it's first visit to Perth on the 11th as VA687

[Mayer F]

I read the aircraft above is being planned for a delivery flight as 2-HBGT on December 8th.
New expected delivery date: December 13th.

[Mayer F]

B737 reg PH-BGX (MSN 38635) was ferried from NWI to AMS on 09dec22, after paint into Virgin Australia colors:

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/ph-bgx

I understand it will be registered as VH-NQI, and named: Noosa Heads beach.

[Greg Hyde]

B737 reg PH-BGX (MSN 38635) was ferried from NWI to AMS on 09dec22, after paint into Virgin Australia colors:

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/ph-bgx

I understand it will be registered as VH-NQI, and named: Noosa Heads beach.

https://www.planespotters.net/photo/1358167/ph-bgx-virgin-australia-boeing-737-7k2wl

[Greg Hyde]

Boeing 737 -7K2 38635 3811 VH-NQI Virgin Australia ferried 09dec22 NWI-AMS, PH-reg after paint prior delivery "Noosa Heads beach" ex PH-BGX

[Mayer F]

Boeing 737-7K2 38634 3762
VH-NJV
Virgin Australia
delivery 13-14ec22 AMS-AAN-XSP, 2-reg "Little Beach"
ex 2-HBGT
SOURCE: Skyliner-aviation.de

[Tristan S]

NHW is on on route from XSP to BNE as VA9948
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/vh-nhw

[lloyd fox]

VH-NHW is doing a test flight this time out of BNE.:)

[lloyd fox]

VH-NHW is all white.

[Tristan S]

NWH scheduled to be pressed into service, operating VA740 tomorrow.

[Stuart McCarthy]

NHW first revenue service today as VOZ1388/1385 BNE-ADL-BNE

[Tristan S]

NJV has been added to the register
NJV THE BOEING COMPANY 737-7K2 38634 19/12/2022 ADD

[Greg Hyde]

NJV has been added to the register
NJV THE BOEING COMPANY 737-7K2 38634 19/12/2022 ADD

This is the dreaded ex-PH-BGT.

Hopefully they will check the cargo door.

[Greg Hyde]

PH-BGK was ferried to Norwich 03/01. (I expect for paint)

[Stirling D]

PH-BGK was ferried to Norwich 03/01. (I expect for paint)

Back in AMS, https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/10832848 'Wategos Beach'

[Mayer F]

Thanks, Greg and Stirling. I read PH-BGK will depart AMS in about 2 weeks from now.

[Greg Hyde]

VH-NJV must be due any day now

[Dylan Hardie]

Due today as VA9948

[Mayer F]

Hi, B737 2-HBGX (C/n - l/n 38635 - 3811, the future VH-NQI) departed AMS on 25jan23:

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/2HBGX/history/20230125/0954Z/EHAM/L%2024.06555%2055.49552

[Tristan S]

Boeing 737 -7K2 38635 3811 VH-NQI Virgin Australia delivery 25-26jan23 AMS-AAN-XSP, 2-reg ex 2-HBGX

[Tristan S]

NJV has been added to the schedule, due to operate VA1398/1405 BNE ADL BNE today (27th)

[Tristan S]

NQI has been added to the register
NQI THE BOEING COMPANY 737-7K2 38635 31/01/2023 ADD VENUS AIRCRAFT LEASING 2 LIMITED

[Greg Hyde]

PH-BGL has ferried AMS-NWI for paint

[Mayer F]

Boeing 737-7K2 30369 3407
PH-BGL
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
ferried 17feb23 NWI-SMS after paint, for Virgin Australia
SOURCE: Skyliner-aviation.de

I read this aircraft will be registered as VH-NVW and named Clifton Beach.

[Greg Hyde]

Boeing 737-7K2 30369 3407
PH-BGL
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
ferried 17feb23 NWI-SMS after paint, for Virgin Australia
SOURCE: Skyliner-aviation.de

I read this aircraft will be registered as VH-NVW and named Clifton Beach.

Typo on Skyliners part should read NWI-AMS

[Greg Hyde]

NHW was on its way from Perth to Brisbane on Thursday night when it was forced to return to Perth after an engine failure.

[Tom PER]

NHW was on its way from Perth to Brisbane on Thursday night when it was forced to return to Perth after an engine failure.

Believe the engine has been replaced and she’ll back into service tomorrow.

NBP is currently fly enroute to TSV as VA9913, guessing to have some paint splashed on it.

[Tom PER]

Just as a side note, these ex KLM 73G’s are generating a lot of negativity from passengers. I was under the impression that they were for VARA and to be used predominantly on intra WA and FIFO contracts, these things are flying all over the country including long sectors between PER-BNE and on other mainline routes.

Been reading lots of comments about J class pax being downgraded at the gate, high tier FF’s losing their assigned seats, differing hard products (seats) and the lack of consistency between aircraft and no wifi, although apparently they do have it installed.

I’m sure that VA will address these issues but I can imagine the logistics of having a small sub fleet with a very different product. At least VBY and VBZ have business class.

[Greg Hyde]

Tom,

You are right the -700's are destined for WA but the word was that where planning to "bed them in" on the East Coast.

You might find that VA is short a few frames and are using them on the longer routes.

They are waiting for the first MAX to arrive in April.

[Dennis McLean]

any idea where the Max 8's are coming from yet??

[MarkR]

any idea where the Max 8's are coming from yet??

I suspect a Chinese customer given they are leasing from China Aircraft Leading Co

[Brenden S]

The 737-700's are not entirely suited for some of the runways in the Northen parts of WA, this is why A320's are ops those routes and the 737-700's are doing Virgin routes.

[Radi K]

The 737-700's are not entirely suited for some of the runways in the Northen parts of WA, this is why A320's are ops those routes and the 737-700's are doing Virgin routes.

Thats why the A320s are staying but I thought the -700s are more to replace the F100 FIFO routes.

[Yusef D]

VH-NQI is held up in Singapore awaiting rear galley.

[Stirling D]

NQI due into BNE as VA9948 tomorrow night, 1815L.

[Dennis McLean]

Just did a check, PH-BGL to be VH-NVW last flight AMS/AMS on 22/2/23 and PH-BGK to be VH-??? last flight was AMS/AMS on 16/1/23. No flights showing under the 2-HBGK or L regos.

[James Smith]

Dennis, I think that PH-BGK will be VH-NQY. One of the two remaining B737s should be heading to XSP pretty soon now that VH-NQI has left there.

[Dennis McLean]

Thanks James

[Greg Hyde]

NBV has some serious teething issues, rework required.

VA planning to induct 1 airframe per month for next 15 months... 7 73G and 8 Max8.

NBV Oct
NBP Nov
NHW Dec
NJV Jan 2023
NQJ Mar
NQY Apr
NVW May

Max from March

73G to get bugs ironed out on east coast before rotating through Per charter runs.

Guys, This was the original schedule and regos

[Tristan S]

NQI doesnt appear that list, was it a changed rego?

[Yusef D]

More likely a typo by me.

[Tristan S]

To be VH-NQY is on its way to XSP wearing its 2-reg.

Boeing 737 -7K2 38054 3292 VH-NQY Virgin Australia delivery 31mar-01apr23 AMS-AAN-XSP, 2-reg ex 2-HBGK

[Greg Hyde]

NQY is on its way to XSP

Boeing 737 -7K2 38054 3292 VH-NQY Virgin Australia delivery 31mar-01apr23 AMS-AAN-XSP, 2-reg ex 2-HBGK

Not NQY yet, flying as 2-Reg

[Tristan S]

NQI due to operate it's first flight on Monday .. VA920 BNE SYD.

[lloyd fox]

VH-NQI being towed to the hardstand at the VA apron.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/79487691@N07/52785073694/in/dateposted/

[Tristan S]

NQI due to operate it's first flight on Monday .. VA920 BNE SYD.

Now showing as VA781 BNE CNS on Monday

[Tristan S]

Now showing as VA781 BNE CNS on Monday

First RPT flight ended up being VA920 this morning.. hopefully no one had booked a J seat :)

[Greg Hyde]

VH-NQY/38054 was added to the register on 05/04/23

[Stirling D]

NQY due into BNE from XSP @ 1755 on Thursday as VA9948

[Tristan S]

NQY due into BNE from XSP @ 1755 on Thursday as VA9948


right on the money again there Stirling :) ... due to leave XSP at 0810L due into BNE at 1733L

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHNQY

[Greg Hyde]

thanks, stirling.

That leaves, PH-BGL (last seen Amsterdam) to become 2-HBGL and eventually VH-NVW to ferry to Singapore

[lloyd fox]

VH-NQY today at BNE.:)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/79487691@N07/52871176796/in/dateposted/

[Tristan S]

NQY has been loaded into the schedule, due to operate VA601 BNE MKY tomorrow (9th)

[Tristan S]

Now due out at 1650 as VA1222 BNE CBR

[Greg Hyde]

After several changes, NQY first rev is:

VA336 Brisbane to Melbourne

[Tristan S]

The last of the KLM 700s is on its way, currently in AAN.

Boeing 737 -7K2 30369 3407 VH-NVW Virgin Australia delivery 25-26may23 AMS-AAN-XSP, 2-reg “Clifton Beach” ex 2-HBGL

[Greg Hyde]

Flying under 2-Reg

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/2HBGL

[Stirling D]

NVW added to the reg as of 31/5.

[Stirling D]

NVW due into Brissy on Friday x XSP

[Tristan S]

Due in at 1805L

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/vh-nvw

Looks like JetSpotters needs a new photo though :cool:

[Tristan S]

NVW has entered service for VA, operating VA1210 BNE CBR

[Yusef D]

Well that is probably/maybe/definitely the end of VA 737NG deliveries. Unless more are found. And Max 8s are not.

[MarkR]

China Southern have 24 which will be retired soon, you never know.

[Yusef D]

VA have had enough problems with the KLM airframes, I doubt whether they'd take on Chinese ones!

There were two grounded yesterday with flap issues.

KLM might release a few more.

[Anthony Collins]

Curious to know what the interior is like on the ex KLM aircraft. Before heading to VA I believe the seats were blue cloth. Were they changed to leather? No photos I can find as yet. Cheers.

[MarkR]

Seats were changed, and of course they will net J fitted as well.

[Tom PER]

Curious to know what the interior is like on the ex KLM aircraft. Before heading to VA I believe the seats were blue cloth. Were they changed to leather? No photos I can find as yet. Cheers.

Surprisingly there’s no videos/trip reports popped up on YouTube featuring these ex KLM 73G’s yet, I’ve only seen an interior photo and these seats installed looked like ex Tiger ones with a tablet holder finished in grey leather.

Believe some of the ex Silkair birds were fitted with ex Tiger seats also.

[James Smith]

Aeroroutes is reporting that Virgin Australia is commencing B737-7 operations on routes in WA from 2/10/23 and other dates in the 4th quarter, 2023. These are mainly charter flights, presumably to various mine sites. Is this the first deployment of B737-7s into WA?

Source: Aeroroutes

https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230816-va4q23wa

[Rowan McKeever]

The current lot has been operating mainline routes like PER-BNE/LST/HBA/DRW/KNX/KGI for a while. I can also see that they've operated the charter/resources network a bit.

I'm pretty sure the -700s would have spent some time over in WA the last time VA/DJ had more than 2 of them but I don't know that for sure.

[MarkR]

Plenty of ops in WA in the past:
https://www.aviationwa.org.au/aircraft-photos-movements/september-2013/

[Stirling D]

NHW is in the TSV paint shop, named 'Manly Beach'

[James Smith]

NHW is scheduled to fly to BNE tomorrow morning after painting in Virgin livery and resume flight operations.

[MarkR]

Three former KLM birds were on lease to Equair which ceased operations this week:

https://www.airfleets.net/flottecie/Equair.htm

[Alex Ch]

Just as a side note, these ex KLM 73G’s are generating a lot of negativity from passengers. I was under the impression that they were for VARA and to be used predominantly on intra WA and FIFO contracts, these things are flying all over the country including long sectors between PER-BNE and on other mainline routes.

Been reading lots of comments about J class pax being downgraded at the gate, high tier FF’s losing their assigned seats, differing hard products (seats) and the lack of consistency between aircraft and no wifi, although apparently they do have it installed.

I’m sure that VA will address these issues but I can imagine the logistics of having a small sub fleet with a very different product. At least VBY and VBZ have business class.


Any updates on when these all Y class 700s will have the standard two class VA seats fitted?

[Yusef D]

Last one is running late but should be done mid January. Cabin reconfig is paused at peak time like Christmas and Easter.

[Rowan McKeever]

Last one is running late but should be done mid January. Cabin reconfig is paused at peak time like Christmas and Easter.

Does that mean they've already done 6 of the 7, Yusef?

[Yusef D]

Yup.

NBV is the one remaining in Y138 configuration. Planespotters concurs.

[Rowan McKeever]

Yup.

NBV is the one remaining in Y138 configuration. Planespotters concurs.

Thanks heaps! Last time I looked at them on PS they were all still showing as Y138, despite at least 2 or 3 having been done. Figured it was easiest to ask someone who knows things :P

[Lauren J]

NBV has been reconfigured with Business Class. There are no more Y-only aircraft in the mainline Virgin Australia fleet.

[Rowan McKeever]

NBV has been reconfigured with Business Class. There are no more Y-only aircraft in the mainline Virgin Australia fleet.

When did they sneak that in?

[Alex Ch]

NBV has been reconfigured with Business Class. There are no more Y-only aircraft in the mainline Virgin Australia fleet.

Does it still have the Tiger seats in Y or replaced with VA ones?

[Lauren J]

When did they sneak that in?

Finished today!