This aircraft was ordered new by Virgin Australia Pty Ltd - 2023

It was the 2nd Boeing 737-8 MAX for Virgin Australia

Entered onto the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-8IB - August 23, 2023

Registered to ZF France Aircraft 2, Hong Kong

Leased to Virgin Australia International Airlines Pty Lyd, Brisbane as the registered operator

It was observed at Seattle (Renton) in the 'Virgin Australia' livery - August 04, 2023

Powered by CFM International LEAP -1B25 engines

First flown Seattle (Renton - 20:27 UTC) - Seattle (Boeing Field - 23:05 UTC) as 'BOE724' - September 04, 2023

Flight time: 2 hours 38 minutes

Second test flight Seattle (Boeing Field - 15:47) - Seattle (Boeing Field - 16:47) as BOE724 - September 21, 2023

Flight time: 1 hour 00 minutes

Third test flight Seattle (Boeing Field - 18:37) - Seattle (Boeing Field - 19:41) as BOE724 - October 30, 2023

Flight time: 1 hour 4 minutes

Fouth test flight Seattle (Boeing Field - 18:20) - Seattle (Boeing Field - 21:00) as BOE7244 - November 05, 2023

Flight time (Customer Acceptance Flight): 2 hours 40 minutes

Accepted by Virgin Australia at Seattle (Boeing Field) - November 09, 2023

Departed Seattle (Boeing Field - 19:24 UTC) on the ferry flight to Australia as VA9947 - November 09, 2023

It arrived at Brisbane on completion of the delivery flight - November 24, 2023

Delivery route: Seattle - Melbourne (USA - Nov 09 -23) - Ontario - Kahului (Hawaii) - Brisbane

The delivery flight was planned to transit Noumea (Tontouta) but diverted direct to Brisbane

The aircraft was named 'Bronte Beach'

Operated its first revenue service Sydney (Kingsford Smith) - Perth as VA555 - November 27, 2023

Current with Virgin Australia Airlines