Virgin Australia Unveils 150th Boeing 737 with Iconic “Retro” Livery
Virgin Australia has revealed its first-ever “retro” livery, a milestone that celebrates the airline’s heritage while symbolizing its current phase of growth and market confidence. This special design adorns the 100th Boeing 737 of its current operating fleet, marking a total of 150 aircraft of this model to have passed through the company since its inception.
Christened “Lake Centenary”—following Virgin Australia’s tradition of naming its aircraft after bodies of water—it is the 150th 737 aircraft for the airline since the launch of Virgin Blue in 2000, and the 100th 737 in Virgin Australia’s current fleet.
A Tribute to the Virgin Blue Era
The new aircraft, a Boeing 737-8 (part of the MAX family), features an all-red design that pays homage to the Virgin Blue era (2000-2011). This visual identity was instrumental in shaping the brand that represents the airline today.
Consistent with the tradition of naming its aircraft after “bodies of water,” this plane has been named “Lake Centenary.” This milestone occurs nearly 25 years after the original airline commenced operations between Brisbane and Sydney in August 2000, utilizing just two Boeing 737-400 units.
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Fleet Modernization and Operational Efficiency
The aircraft, registered as VH-8VI, recently rolled out of the Boeing factory in Seattle and represents a key component of the company’s historic fleet renewal program.
- Scheduled Deliveries: This aircraft is one of twelve Boeing 737-8s that Virgin Australia will receive throughout this year.
- Regional Expansion: In addition to the Boeings, the Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) division will incorporate four Embraer E190-E2 aircraft.
- Operational Capacity: In 2025, the airline transported over 21 million passengers, the highest figure in its entire history.
Next Steps and Entry into Service
Currently, “Lake Centenary” is in the final preparation phase and undergoing flight testing in the United States. It is expected to make its delivery flight to Brisbane in April, after which it will immediately enter commercial service to cover domestic and short-haul international routes.
With this addition, Virgin Australia reaffirms its long-term strategic partnership with Boeing and its commitment to operating a modern, low-emission fleet.
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