Virgin Australia begins countdown to new Boeing 737 MAX jets

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA B737-81D VH-YFE (CN 39414) File Photo

Boeing revealed its new 737 MAX jet overnight, with Virgin Australia set to start flying the fuel-efficient jet in 2018.
Designed as a replacement for the Boeing 737-800, which is the domestic workhorse of both Virgin Australia and Qantas, Boeing claims the 737 8 MAX will be sip 20% less fuel than its popular predecessor.

New high-efficiency engines and refined aerodynamics – including eye-catching split wingtip designs – are at the core of the 737 MAX's fuel-friendly nature.
The aircraft will also feature the light and spacious Boeing Sky Interior already seen on the latest Boeing 737-800s as well as quiet engine technology to "significantly reduce its noise footprint".
Virgin Australia has signed up for 40 of the MAX 8's and will be the first airline to fly them in Aussie skies.

"The Boeing 737 has formed a critical part of the Virgin Australia fleet over the past decade thanks to its reliability, comfort and fuel efficiency" Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti said when signing the initial 737MAX order in 2012.

"The Boeing 737 MAX will build on this, enabling us to achieve strong on time performance and maintain our low cost base."

Story sourced from http://www.ausbt.com.au/virgin-australia-begins-countdown-to-boeing-737-max

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