Re-painted Virgin Australia B737-800 VH-VUA Photographed at Rockhampton Airport

Local plane spotter 'IAD' had mixed feelings on Thursday 11 September as he captured some great photos of his 'favourite' aircraft in the form of Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-VUA.

I believe it was VH-VUA's second visit to Rocky - it has been to other CQ Airports - since it was re-painted into Virgin's new livery - and re-named "Vestey's Beach".  On this occassion, VH-VUA operated the afternoon VOZ1245/1248 rotation from and back to Brisbane.

It was mixed feelings for 'IAD' as VH-VUA once wore the flag of his much loved South Sydney Rabbitohs Rugby League team - along with the red Virgin Blue livery.

File photo

Of interest, fellow B737-800's VH-VOL and now VH-BZG have also been re-painted into the new Virgin livery.  They have also both had name changes.  It is believed that VH-VUE has entered the paint-shop in Townsville.

Meanwhile, Virgin Embraer E-190 VH-ZPL has departed Australia for overseas where it will undergo planned maintenance and also be re-painted to the new Virgin livery.

I believe that there are now just 10 B737s and 2 E-190s in the old livery of Virgin Blue.

All photos taken by 'IAD'  ©