Virgin Australia’s First 737 MAX Successfully Completes Maiden Flight
Virgin Australia’s first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft has successfully completed its maiden flight, marking a significant milestone for the airline. The aircraft, which is the first of 23 737 MAX planes that Virgin Australia has ordered, took off from Boeing’s Renton factory in Washington and flew for approximately three hours before landing at Moses Lake airport.
The 737 MAX is the latest version of Boeing’s popular 737 aircraft, which has been in service since 1967. The MAX features new engines and aerodynamic improvements that make it more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly than previous models. It also has a range of up to 3,550 nautical miles, making it ideal for both short and medium-haul flights.
Virgin Australia’s 737 MAX aircraft will be configured with 176 seats, including eight business class seats and 168 economy class seats. The business class seats will feature a 38-inch pitch and a 19-inch width, while the economy class seats will have a 30-inch pitch and a 17-inch width. The aircraft will also feature in-flight entertainment systems and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The 737 MAX is expected to play a key role in Virgin Australia’s future growth plans. The airline has been expanding its domestic and international network in recent years, and the new aircraft will allow it to operate more efficiently and offer passengers a better travel experience. The 737 MAX’s fuel efficiency will also help Virgin Australia reduce its operating costs and improve its profitability.
Virgin Australia CEO Paul Scurrah said in a statement that the airline was “delighted” to take delivery of its first 737 MAX aircraft. “This is an exciting milestone for Virgin Australia as we continue to modernize our fleet and improve our customer experience,” he said. “The 737 MAX is a fantastic aircraft that will allow us to operate more efficiently and offer our passengers a superior travel experience.”
The 737 MAX has had a troubled history, however. In 2018, two 737 MAX aircraft operated by Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashed, killing a total of 346 people. The crashes were caused by a software system called the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), which was designed to prevent the aircraft from stalling. Boeing has since made changes to the MCAS system and other safety features, and the 737 MAX has been cleared to fly again by aviation regulators around the world.
Virgin Australia’s 737 MAX aircraft will be delivered over the next few years, with the next one expected to arrive in early 2021. The airline will use the new aircraft to replace its older Boeing 737-800 planes, which are less fuel-efficient and have a shorter range. With the 737 MAX, Virgin Australia will be able to offer its passengers a more comfortable and efficient travel experience while also reducing its environmental impact.
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- Source: https://zephyrnet.com/exclusive-virgin-australias-first-737-max-takes-flight/