Virgin Australia to lease more 737s

[HS-TQE]

Bur aren't the seats the silkAir seats? The thin stiffer looking yet apparently more comfortable seats?
Or did VA change ALL seats to their own design? (as pictured upthread)

Not sure about the other ex-SilkAir units, but the two units with the new 'trial' seats. are definitely NOT ex-SilkAir seats. Social Media posted them taking the seats out of the box and fitting them into the Cabin.

 

[Harrison_133]

Flew on VH-IWQ with the new interior from Brisbane to Sydney today. Seated in Economy X in the exit row, the legroom was obviously great, but having a look around at the normal economy seats, it looked generous. Seats were well padded despite looking very thin and the cabin overall felt fresh despite being a second-hand aircraft.

The only remnants left over from SilkAir appeared to the floral pattern on the forward bulkheads. The toilets in the rear had some sort of hardwood floor. They also seemed to have taken out the overhead drop down screens the 737s had from when I flew SilkAir in the past.

The cabin manager made a very clear announcement about the forward toilet being for business class guests only, despite there being no divider. This was strictly enforced when some people tried to get through.

Overall, I really enjoyed the flight. The cabin felt comfortable and fresh. I certainly wouldn’t complain if it was rolled out across more aircraft.

 

[AIRwin]

Flew on VH-IWQ with the new interior from Brisbane to Sydney today.

Lucky you! IWQ = I Wasn't Qantas...

 

[Ky_1]

New interior looks amazing! Will this interior be fitted into the oncoming 700’s?

 

[jakeseven7]

New interior looks amazing! Will this interior be fitted into the oncoming 700’s?

Welcome Virgin PR (jokes).

Who knows it’s a mish mash right now.

 

[MooTime]

Flew on VH-IWQ with the new interior from Brisbane to Sydney today. Seated in Economy X in the exit row, the legroom was obviously great, but having a look around at the normal economy seats, it looked generous. Seats were well padded despite looking very thin and the cabin overall felt fresh despite being a second-hand aircraft.

The only remnants left over from SilkAir appeared to the floral pattern on the forward bulkheads. The toilets in the rear had some sort of hardwood floor. They also seemed to have taken out the overhead drop down screens the 737s had from when I flew SilkAir in the past.

The cabin manager made a very clear announcement about the forward toilet being for business class guests only, despite there being no divider. This was strictly enforced when some people tried to get through.

Overall, I really enjoyed the flight. The cabin felt comfortable and fresh. I certainly wouldn’t complain if it was rolled out across more aircraft.

Thanks for sharing, handy pics.

I'll keep a lookout where this kit is flying to, hoping to be onboard to.

 

[HS-TQE]

Last rumour I heard suggested the -700s may be Dutch...

Yes, apparently the latest rumours they are coming from KLM's owned 73G fleet. There's also the possibility KLM might either sell it to a leasing company (unsure if a internal shell company or a 3rd party external company) and then lease them out to VA.

We'll see what happens.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Wish we could all fly again soon, without the PCR/RATs tests having to be done.
Bleeding covid, at least my VFF status will sit at PS for about 8 more months, but with no flights, only FB transfers, very envious of the rest of you colleagues who can "still" fly freely.
PCR/RAT tests needed?

 

[AIRwin]

PCR/RAT tests needed?

Not for entry into QLD...

 

[jase05]

Wish we could all fly again soon, without the PCR/RATs tests having to be done.
Bleeding covid, at least my VFF status will sit at PS for about 8 more months, but with no flights, only FB transfers, very envious of the rest of you colleagues who can "still" fly freely.
PCR/RAT tests needed?

I have to do RAT’s for work but haven’t done a PCR or RAT for a flight since before Christmas.

 

[jakeseven7]

Wish we could all fly again soon, without the PCR/RATs tests having to be done.
Bleeding covid, at least my VFF status will sit at PS for about 8 more months, but with no flights, only FB transfers, very envious of the rest of you colleagues who can "still" fly freely.
PCR/RAT tests needed?

It’s very easy to fly freely! Hardly any states require testing for flying anymore, QLD just removed, NSW no, VIC no, ACT no. And the states that do…. Does SA? Tassie? Can’t remember - but even if they do it’s just a check box regardless.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Ooh, but, but, I will wait a bit more before making a flight booking tho.
Will get off my lazy dog bum and have a look see, ta for that one Jakeseven7.
Edit:
You must have evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to departure. On arrival to SA, you must: have a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arrival in SA. not enter a high-risk setting for 7 days after your arrival.
Its still on the AAL Adelaide Airport website as of now.
I am double vaxxed.
Not to mention flights being cancelled, then I am stuck.
One place says as you mentioned, no more negative test needed, ABC, but then AAl website still mentions it.
Thanks again for info anyways.

 

[jakeseven7]

Ooh, but, but, I will wait a bit more before making a flight booking tho.
Will get off my lazy dog bum and have a look see, ta for that one Jakeseven7.
Edit:
You must have evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to departure. On arrival to SA, you must: have a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arrival in SA. not enter a high-risk setting for 7 days after your arrival.
Its still on the AAL Adelaide Airport website as of now.
I am double vaxxed.
Not to mention flights being cancelled, then I am stuck.
One place says as you mentioned, no more negative test needed, ABC, but then AAl website still mentions it.
Thanks again for info anyways.

No worries - I wouldn’t be using the Adelaide Airport website as a source though. I’m sure one of the SA based AFF’s can chime in but they threw basically everything out a few weeks ago.

 

[jase05]

No worries - I wouldn’t be using the Adelaide Airport website as a source though. I’m sure one of the SA based AFF’s can chime in but they threw basically everything out a few weeks ago.

No testing, vaccination or entry permit requirements to enter SA at all.

 

[RAM]

Is it just the lack of flying (Nov 2019) impacting my memory or are the armrests around 1 to 2cm narrower?

 

[antycbr]

Is it just the lack of flying (Nov 2019) impacting my memory or are the armrests around 1 to 2cm narrower?

Recommended cure for memory loss: fly business!

 

[ash.1111]

Was meant to fly BNE-MEL today in J, and got a midnight text saying I’m now flying via SYD. Joy.

Was happy to report that the BNE-SYD sector had the new J class. First impressions were the crew seemingly had much more storage (including a proper closet) as there was bulkhead galore. There was no J/Y partition but there is a ton of room for one later on. It is very interesting how ‘exposed’ I felt to Y.

The seat pitch in J felt slightly less, not enough to be an issue, except when using the footrest. It was a bit cramped when in use. The footrest was a great size however, and had a little extra piece on the end to rest your feet on.

The J seat also felt slightly narrower but not an issue at all. The seat was definitely firmer, and at the top the seat back is very thin. The armrests also felt less comfortable (firmer to the touch).

There was a huge amount of storage. I didn’t look hard but couldn’t see outlets to charge. There probably are some though.

Forward lav looked the same.

The tray table was good but didn’t move forward enough to clear my gut (I’m going to the gym...).

I then flew on an old J class. I’d say the old seat was slightly more comfortable, but for most people, I think the foot rest is enough to make it a win. Give me a partition and I’ll be a very happy camper.

 

[mitchd]

Flew in the new J earlier in the month. Wife did most of the figuring out of the bells and whistles, I recall her talking about the in-armrest storage but also a storage on the front of the armrest, below where the little drinks tray pops out. She mentioned seeing usb outlets but I forget if it was the in-arm or front-of-armrest compartment. I couldn’t get the footrest to be comfortable but I do like the new tray table - has a little extra fold forward section that I used to rest my phone on while watching Netflix. Chair was more comfortable but I’m 100kg+ and therefore like it firm so YMMV

 

[andye]

Is it just the lack of flying (Nov 2019) impacting my memory or are the armrests around 1 to 2cm narrower?

Same thing has happened to my trousers over that time

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

OT, could it be that WFH (working from home) can really put on the weight.
I am already large fat lazy pooch (big of girth) from young ie fat, but... could it be that the kitchen temptation is too close at home, than at work?
They say 10,000 SA/Adelaide public servants are working from home, and shops/stores/city centre business are going bankrupt/not making enough due to lack of business.