Virgin Australia (VA, Brisbane International) expects to take delivery of its first of ten B737-10s in late 2027, the airline said in a press release.
The carrier said that the largest B737 MAX variant, which faces extensive certification delays, will add capacity and operational flexibility across its domestic and short-haul international networks. It has not yet finalised the aircraft's seating layout, which will be announced at a later date.
"This is an important next step in our fleet renewal program as we continue building a younger, quieter and more fuel-efficient fleet," chief executive Dave Emerson said. "Fleet renewal is the single biggest lever we have to reduce emissions in the near term, and the B737-10 will build on the benefits we are already seeing from the B737-8."
Virgin Australia originally committed to a 25-unit B737-10 order book during its post-administration restructuring in 2020. However, that commitment was amended in 2024, with the carrier converting 12 units to the smaller, already-in-production B737-8 variant to mitigate ongoing delivery delays with the uncertified larger model.
According to ch-aviation data, Virgin Australia has outstanding orders for a total of seventeen B737 MAX jets, specifically ten B737-10s and seven B737-8s. It expects to take delivery of all seven remaining B737-8s in 2026.
Virgin Australia and Virgin Australia International (VA, Brisbane International) collectively operate nine B737-700s, nineteen B737-8s, and seventy-four B737-800s. Regional subsidiary Virgin Australia Regional (VA, Perth International) operates three A320-200s and four E190-E2s.
