Virgin Australia marks milestone with 150th Boeing 737 featuring crew tribute

Virgin Australia has brought its 150th Boeing 737 into service, marking a milestone in the airline’s 26-year history with the aircraft type.

The jet, named ‘Lake Centenary’, entered commercial service on May 28, 2026, operating flight VA308 from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Melbourne Airport (MEL). It features a retro-inspired all-red livery and a unique cabin tribute: the names of more than 8,000 Virgin Australia team members printed on the overhead lockers.

#image_titleLake Centerary: A fleet milestone

Lake Centenary is the 100th Boeing 737 in Virgin Australia’s current fleet and the 17th 737-8 MAX to join the airline. The first, named Monkey Mia, arrived in June 2023.

For Virgin Australia Group CEO Dave Emerson, the aircraft reflects how far the airline has come since launching as Virgin Blue in 2000 with just two planes and a single route.

“This aircraft is a celebration of our team,” Emerson said. “Including their names is our way of recognizing how important each and every one of them is to our journey.”

More efficient, quieter operations

The 737-8 is approximately 19% more fuel efficient than the airline’s existing 737-800s, as well as around 50% quieter, according to Virgin Australia. Emerson noted that fleet renewal remains the most effective way to reduce emissions in the near term while improving operations and the guest experience.

“Fleet renewal is the most impactful lever we have to reduce our emissions in the short to medium term, while also improving operational efficiency and delivering a better experience for our guests,” Emerson said.

More aircraft on the way

Virgin Australia Group plans to take delivery of 12 Boeing 737-8s this year, along with four Embraer E190 E2s for Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, as part of an ongoing fleet renewal program.

First Officer Amy Dunn remarked that the arrival of Lake Centenary was a proud moment.

“It’s an incredible acknowledgement of the team to have our names printed on the overhead lockers of this very special aircraft,” Dunn said. “I have no doubt that the flight and cabin crew will be incredibly proud to operate this aircraft and will be lining up for the opportunity to fly on it.”

The airline will celebrate the milestone at a Virgin Australia Family Day event at its Brisbane hangar in June 2026.

As part of a longstanding tradition, Virgin Australia names its aircraft after Australian bodies of water, paying tribute to the country’s natural environment.

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