Virgin Australia will retire its last A320 aircraft from regional services in Western Australia this month.
The airline currently operates four A320-200 aircraft inherited from former low-cost carrier Tigerair and has phased out the aircraft type to simplify its fleet, with Virgin Australia regional airlines’ (VARA) jet operations taken over by Boeing 737 aircraft and new Embraer E190-E2 aircraft.
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“Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) continues to modernize its fleet as part of its long-term strategy to provide customers with greater efficiency, reliability and flexibility,” a Virgin spokesperson said.
“The fleet renewal program enables VARA to continue to meet the evolving needs of customers, industry partners and regional communities while enhancing its ability to compete in the dynamic aviation market.”
When launched, VARA’s A320 aircraft were one of the first (and at one time the only) large-gauge narrow-body aircraft in the Australian charter market. Most of these aircraft followed the all-economy configuration used by Tiger Airways. Closed in 2020.
Their retirement comes as Virgin Atlantic continues to expand its use of the E190-E2 in VARA operations in Western Australia, with four of the small regional aircraft now in service and a total of eight on order.
Virgin’s first E190-E2, VH-E2A, Arrival in September Last year, the system was used on Virgin Australia Regional Airlines’ (VARA) charter and FIFO services in Western Australia, as well as scheduled passenger traffic. it operates its First commercial flight October 2025.
VARA executive general manager Nathan Miller said the new aircraft are expected to be fully operational by 2027, which is “an important milestone not only for VARA but also for regional aviation in Western Australia”.
“The E190-E2 is currently the quietest, most fuel-efficient single-aisle jet in its class in the world, with the design and range to meet the challenges of the mines we operate across the state,” he said last year.
“This aircraft sets a new benchmark in comfort, efficiency and sustainability and ensures we can deliver a premium experience to our customers and the communities we serve today and into the future.”
The remaining VARA A320 aircraft are expected to complete their final legs within the next week and will subsequently undergo maintenance before being returned to their lessors.