Virgin Australia to lease more 737s

[Saab34]

Shouldn’t be an issue as J isn’t being sold on flights operated by the 737-700. However will obviously become a problem when pax are changed due to reasons outside pax control to non J 737s. Seen this before with VARA A320s.

 

[Bagpuss]

Shouldn’t be an issue as J isn’t being sold on flights operated by the 737-700. However will obviously become a problem when pax are changed due to reasons outside pax control to non J 737s. Seen this before with VARA A320s.

Really the 737-700's will go mainly where 737-800's wont go, so the issue will probably no longer exist as much as it previously has.

 

[HS-TQE]

Some of the single-class 737-700s have been tentatively scheduled on intra-Qld routes in early 2023. They are replacing a combination of 2-class 737-800s and some Alliance Fokker flying (Which means they are moving the 738s and Alliance Fokkers elsewhere).

 

[AIRwin]

Some of the single-class 737-700s have been tentatively scheduled on intra-Qld routes in early 2023.

I'd like to be on the inaugural flight!

 

[Harrison_133]

Some of the single-class 737-700s have been tentatively scheduled on intra-Qld routes in early 2023. They are replacing a combination of 2-class 737-800s and some Alliance Fokker flying (Which means they are moving the 738s and Alliance Fokkers elsewhere).

They actually start earlier than that…I’m seeing the all-Y 700s scheduled on BNE-MKY (for example) as early as 31st October 2022. So subject to change, they should be in service very soon.

And once again, the new 700s are not replacing Fokker flying out of BNE. If anything, the partnership with Alliance is expanding…QQ F100s take over some flights on BNE-ADL from mid-November and some flights on BNE-MKY at the start of December.

 

[HS-TQE]

They actually start earlier than that…I’m seeing the all-Y 700s scheduled on BNE-MKY (for example) as early as 31st October 2022. So subject to change, they should be in service very soon.

And once again, the new 700s are not replacing Fokker flying out of BNE. If anything, the partnership with Alliance is expanding…QQ F100s take over some flights on BNE-ADL from mid-November and some flights on BNE-MKY at the start of December.

Considering reports of the first ex-KLM 700 being delivered from XSP without seats, the chances of the first unit being in service by then would be 50/50 at best.

As for the services, they are 'tentative' after all and GDS schedules change frequently prior to the scheduled tentative date.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

If VA is going to carry it as all Y (cabin), its an airline (in my opinion), is one thats going down hill fast.
At the least, I would want to fly with an option of buying a J seat, instead of having to phoneup and make a "comfort seat request/booking" if I want to fly a certain route.\
ADL - PER now irks me that a lot of the VA flights are 320, ie, no J cabin.
BNE - ADL is one of my fav routes.
Probably have to save up and fly the red roo again on this route.

 

[Saab34]

I understand they are all going to be Perth based for FIFO with the F100s going.

Shouldn’t really be seeing much of them over this way. Cant immediately go to Perth as they need to cycle crew training etc.

 

[Bagpuss]

They actually start earlier than that…I’m seeing the all-Y 700s scheduled on BNE-MKY (for example) as early as 31st October 2022. So subject to change, they should be in service very soon.

Most likely using the existing owned B737-700's which usually fly these routes VH-VBY or VH-VBZ

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[HS-TQE]

I understand they are all going to be Perth based for FIFO with the F100s going.

Shouldn’t really be seeing much of them over this way. Cant immediately go to Perth as they need to cycle crew training etc.

There has been reports some of the all-Y 737-700s will be based in Queensland.

As per the other posts, VA already flies their 2-class 737-700s on intra-Queensland routes, and if the GDS sticks, this will continue along with the 73Ws popping up on BNE-ADL.

73W is the identifier for the 2-class -700s, whilst 73G is the identifier for the all-Y -700s.

 

[Bagpuss]

We also probably shouldn't discount for simplification VH-VBY and VH-VBZ being converted to match the configuration of the incoming -700 fleet.

 

[Harrison_133]

Most likely using the existing owned B737-700's which usually fly these routes VH-VBY or VH-VBZ

Sifting through the schedules, from October 31st there are 3 lines of flying each day for the 737-700s. 2 lines accounting for VBY & VBZ, and another for the all Y aircraft. Obviously that’s subject to change.

Seats don’t take that long to install, so it is entirely plausible it could enter service within the next few weeks. Given October 31st is 10 days away, I’d argue those schedules are a lot firmer than the 737-700 flying lines currently loaded for January 2023.

 

[Harrison_133]

First all economy 737-700 scheduled to enter service on Monday operating VA601 to Mackay.

From FlightRadar24:

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Lucky I have no interest in visiting MKY.
Its sad though that VAd has decided to do it, ie, lease 737s without a J cabin.

 

[Saab34]

They are going to Perth once the F100s are gone, don’t worry about it too much. I actually don’t mind Row 1 in an all Y bird. Front bathroom access will be welcome again.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Yes, row 1 is good on the all Y 737s, but what happens when they are all taken up by VFF WPs/SGs, or those that have "passed" the "help the crew in case of an emergency" spiel?
Overwing seaters also have to do the spiel, ...
Though how unlikely an emergency would happen, but 25kg is very heavy a door to try to lift while seated, I tried to lift a 25kg dumbell at work once, not an easy fit.

 

[Harrison_133]

Yes, row 1 is good on the all Y 737s, but what happens when they are all taken up by VFF WPs/SGs, or those that have "passed" the "help the crew in case of an emergency" spiel?

Rows 2-4 will also be Economy X on these new 700s.

 

[Saab34]

Yes, row 1 is good on the all Y 737s, but what happens when they are all taken up by VFF WPs/SGs, or those that have "passed" the "help the crew in case of an emergency" spiel?
Overwing seaters also have to do the spiel, ...
Though how unlikely an emergency would happen, but 25kg is very heavy a door to try to lift while seated, I tried to lift a 25kg dumbell at work once, not an easy fit.

I believe it depends if two cabin crew are stationed at the front door for takeoff and landing.

I did see Virgin trying for 3 Cabin Crew on the -700 with CASA, otherwise Row 1 shouldn’t need to assist in an emergency if two are positioned up front however perhaps one of the pilots could confirm.

 

[AIRwin]

First all economy 737-700 scheduled to enter service on Monday operating VA601 to Mackay.

From FlightRadar24:
View attachment 305743

First flight delayed 2 hours

 

[Harrison_133]

First flight delayed 2 hours

Looks like it returned to the gate after pushback. Flight now operating on a 737-800.

NBV also scheduled to operate another MKY turn and a CBR turn today. Let’s see if that materialises…