VA MAX8 Arrivals

[Greg Hyde]

Must be a EOFY sale on VH-Regos

VH-8IK (MSN 65116, LN 9240), 737-8

added to VH-Reg on 18/06/25

[Lauren J]

Here's some of the recent line numbers and their production status. Line numbers aren't always built in perfect order, but this gives us an idea of how close the next MAXs are. I'd expect 8II and 8IJ to emerge from the factory in the next couple weeks, if not sooner.

9200: third flight
9201: first flight
9202: first flight
9203: delivered to customer
9205: second flight
9206: delivered to customer
9207: first flight
9210: first flight
9212: delivered to customer
9216: future VH-8II
9218: first flight
9220: first flight
9222: first flight
9226: future VH-8IJ
9240: future VH-8IK

[Yusef D]

True, but I've noticed that most of the preceding 50 Maxs that are going to non-US customers haven't been delivered. The process goes smoother for UA/WN/AA etc

[Greg Hyde]

Originally Posted by Yusef D

True, but I've noticed that most of the preceding 50 Maxs that are going to non-US customers haven't been delivered. The process goes smoother for UA/WN/AA etc

Problems with tariffs changing on a regular basis and US customers with large orders talking to Airbus.

[Yusef D]

VA pilots are finding the existing Max8 a bit underpowered, especially on hot summer days.

The next batch will have 27k (27,000 lb thrust) and the one after that 28k engines, while the current ones are 25k. This might enable Queenstown or OOL-DPS ops, something the existing Max8 can't do.

[Lauren J]

Originally Posted by Yusef D

VA pilots are finding the existing Max8 a bit underpowered, especially on hot summer days.

The next batch will have 27k (27,000 lb thrust) and the one after that 28k engines, while the current ones are 25k. This might enable Queenstown or OOL-DPS ops, something the existing Max8 can't do.

Thanks for the info! Just checking I have this right?
8IA-8IH: 25k
8II-8IK: 27k
8VA-8VC: 28k

[Yusef D]

yep

[James Smith]

Virgin B737-8 MAX VH-8IK, MSN 65116/9240, has been spotted in primer at RNT on 24/6/25.

[James Smith]

Virgin B737-8 MAX VH-8II, MSN 65121/9216, has been spotted at RNT in full colour scheme on 26/6/25 and Virgin B737-8 MAX VH-8VA, MSN 67034/9250, has been spotted at RNT in primer on 26/6/25.

[Greg Hyde]

Originally Posted by James Smith

Virgin B737-8 MAX VH-8IK, MSN 65116/9240, has been spotted in primer at RNT on 24/6/25.

Also has test reg N4022T