Virgin Australia Receives First Boeing 737-8 with Upgraded Cabin Interiors

Virgin Australia has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737-8 aircraft, featuring new business class and economy class cabin interiors. These upgraded cabins will be introduced across the remaining seven Boeing 737-8s on order by Q1 2024, as well as the 25 Boeing 737-10s to be delivered from late 2024.

The retrofit program will also extend to the airline’s existing Boeing fleet, as part of a passenger experience investment program worth around AUD$110 million (US$75 million).

The fleet renewal program, starting with the 737-8, aligns with Virgin Australia’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The new aircraft is reported to be at least 15% more fuel-efficient per flight compared to the airline’s current Boeing 737-800 NG fleet.

The upgraded cabins bring several enhancements, including larger overhead lockers capable of accommodating up to 50% more carry-on baggage. Business class seats offer additional features such as leg rests, extendable footrests, storage compartments, tablet/device holders, in-seat power, and water bottle holders. Economy class seats feature a ribbed cover for improved comfort, a personal tablet/device holder, and in-seat power.

In addition, a new seat configuration will be introduced, featuring a redesigned cabin divider between business class and economy, allowing for increased floor space in the economy cabin and the potential addition of six to twelve extra economy seats.

Virgin Australia plans to commence a retrofit program for its Boeing 737-800 fleet later this year. The program includes interior refreshment, new business-class and economy-class seats with in-seat power, in-flight Wi-Fi, complimentary in-flight entertainment (via personal devices), and the replacement of one Economy X row with standard economy seating on all Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

The retrofits are expected to be completed over the next two years, subject to operational requirements. Once the cabin refresh program is finished, Virgin Australia aims to offer more seats and a consistent guest experience across all flights operated by its Boeing 737 aircraft.

Virgin Australia’s Boeing 737 seat capacity upon completion of the cabin refresh project will be as follows:

• Boeing 737-800 and 737-8: 8 business-class seats, 174 economy-class seats.
• Boeing 737-700: 8 business-class seats, 126 economy-class seats (including the introduction of a business-class cabin on 7 existing Boeing 737-700 aircraft currently fitted with economy seating only).

The introduction of the Boeing 737-8 and the fleet renewal program signifies an important milestone for Virgin Australia as it invests in its onboard guest experience and works toward reducing carbon emissions intensity to support sustainability in the aviation industry.