[Greg Hyde]

Virgin to lease nine more 737-800 NGs

Virgin Australia has announced it will lease an additional nine Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, with deliveries to begin in October.

The airline said the new aircraft will be welcomed ahead of an anticipated uptick in domestic travel demand, as the rate of vaccination increases and interstate borders inevitably open, and the holiday and summer travel season approaches.

While deliveries will begin in October, Virgin hopes to see all nine jets in the air by mid-February 2022.

“Airlines around the world have had to bend and stretch over the past 18 months as our fleets, teams and wider operations have responded to unprecedented border restrictions and demand volatility,” Virgin Australia chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka said.

“But we at Virgin Australia are crystal clear that the underlying consumer desire for travel is strong.

“While our recent efforts have been directed toward adapting to and managing through a very difficult few months for communities and businesses throughout the country, we’ve also maintained a consistent focus on our strategy and medium term growth opportunities.

“These extra aircraft are an important part of our planning and ensure we’re ready to ramp up flying and meet the pent-up demand for domestic travel as soon as the opportunity presents itself.”

Full story

https://australianaviation.com.au/20...e-737-800-ngs/