Virgin Australia B737 Max 8

[twinaisle]

Wonder if they now have the divider now installed!

Pigs would probably fly before they get a divider installed

 

[jakeseven7]

Wonder if they now have the divider now installed!

I think it was covered in another thread, but VA2 are currently doing market research on what kind of divider they will put in (or not).

Couple of options were shown, but none of the options are the old purple plastic style that exist in the old VA1 fleet..

The options were 1) no divider (just a sign from memory maybe) 2) a bit of plastic hanging from roof above the seats or 3) a sort of vertical curtain falling from middle of aisle thing…. From memory - it was a few weeks ago.

 

[Saab34]

I think it was covered in another thread, but VA2 are currently doing market research on what kind of divider they will put in (or not).

Couple of options were shown, but none of the options are the old purple plastic style that exist in the old VA1 fleet..

The options were 1) no divider (just a sign from memory maybe) 2) a bit of plastic hanging from roof above the seats or 3) a sort of vertical curtain falling from middle of aisle thing…. From memory - it was a few weeks ago.

That is sad indeed.

They could have just gone with what Alaska did. Is it really that hard?

 

[BAM1748]

I think it was covered in another thread, but VA2 are currently doing market research on what kind of divider they will put in (or not).

Couple of options were shown, but none of the options are the old purple plastic style that exist in the old VA1 fleet..

The options were 1) no divider (just a sign from memory maybe) 2) a bit of plastic hanging from roof above the seats or 3) a sort of vertical curtain falling from middle of aisle thing…. From memory - it was a few weeks ago.

Market research for a divider, perhaps bring the consultants in as well.

What about those dangly doorway strips that catch flies.

 

[BNEFlyer]

VH-8IF arrived in BNE from KOA yesterday afternoon.

 

[jakeseven7]

Market research for a divider, perhaps bring the consultants in as well.

What about those dangly doorway strips that catch flies.

Yes that is kind of what one of the options were, like that / mini curtain.

 

[AIRwin]

VH-8IF arrived in BNE from KOA yesterday afternoon.

Maiden commercial flight today operating BNE-ADL as VA1398

 

[MarkD]

Bit late to the party i know, but had my first flight on 8IA back from DPS the other day. Row 14 and I am so surprised how superior this aircraft is to the 800. There is simply no comparison, its quieter and more comfortable than the old girls. I dont know specifically, ( maybe someone on here flies one or knows the answer) but is the computer setup differently to the 800s engines? The power seemed more “ even” on approach and descent ie no sudden power changes, but gradual changes. I know winds / conditions have a bearing but it just seemed so refined in all areas.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Maiden commercial flight today operating BNE-ADL as VA1398

Are they flying any particular routes?

 

[AIRwin]

Are they flying any particular routes?

Mostly international short haul

 

[Sprucegoose]

Mostly international short haul

If that's the case, would it be good for VA to lift the catering standards on those routes?

 

[PERLHR]

Mostly international short haul

CNS-HND-CNS. It's a long haul(ish).

 

[HS-TQE]

If that's the case, would it be good for VA to lift the catering standards on those routes?

They have to some extent. Int'l Short Haul over 4 hours now provides Hot Meals in Y for BoB, so all Australia-Denpasar (Bali), Melbourne to Nadi (Fiji) and Cairns-Haneda (Tokyo)

 

[Saab34]

Bit late to the party i know, but had my first flight on 8IA back from DPS the other day. Row 14 and I am so surprised how superior this aircraft is to the 800. There is simply no comparison, its quieter and more comfortable than the old girls. I dont know specifically, ( maybe someone on here flies one or knows the answer) but is the computer setup differently to the 800s engines? The power seemed more “ even” on approach and descent ie no sudden power changes, but gradual changes. I know winds / conditions have a bearing but it just seemed so refined in all areas.

A320/1 Neo is also super quiet.

I find it easier to doze off.

 

[rackxp]

Currently sitting on this plane departing to Sydney from Brisbane. It has that new airplane smell.

 

[AIRwin]

Currently sitting on this plane departing to Sydney from Brisbane. It has that new airplane smell.

VH-8IC from the second delivery

 

[Sprucegoose]

They have to some extent. Int'l Short Haul over 4 hours now provides Hot Meals in Y for BoB, so all Australia-Denpasar (Bali), Melbourne to Nadi (Fiji) and Cairns-Haneda (Tokyo)

Yes, I saw some evidence of this on a recent MEL PER (over 4 hours and not Int unless you're from WA) flight;

I would suggest some improvement would do wonders.

 

[AIRwin]

Looks like 8IG has been flown from Renton to Boeing Field

 

[Saab34]

This popped up on my Facebook Feed. After these two arrive that is half the MAX 8s that have been ordered, now delivered.

Not sure if some MAX10 conversions will occur, as likely between 2025-2028/9 there could be essentially nothing delivered. While the 14 aircraft will assist Virgin in the sort term, they still have some older aircraft to phase out. Then the conundrum of MAX10s finally arriving but needing to phase out the next wave of aged aircraft, so essentially very little growth on the cards.

Perhaps converting MAX10s or going for some mid life NGs. Fleet planning is going to be interesting here as they are about to get caught out with no ability to grow.

 

[Harrison_133]

While the 14 aircraft will assist Virgin in the sort term, they still have some older aircraft to phase out. Then the conundrum of MAX10s finally arriving but needing to phase out the next wave of aged aircraft, so essentially very little growth on the cards.

I'm not so sure the older aircraft are going to be replaced anytime soon.

They just installed the new interiors on the four oldest aircraft (2003 builds) which is an indication they'll be squeezing the maximum service life out of the 800s. Knowing what Bain are like, they wouldn't have bothered replacing the interiors if these aircraft weren't continuing in service for some significant period to come.

The next batch are 2006-2008 builds, so assuming they have at least a 25 year service life, they could easily go until 2031-2033 without needing to replace aircraft in large-ish quantities. The MAX-10 remains a big what if, but I imagine we'll see more conversions to the -8 over the next few years.