Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-IJU (ex 9V-MGG) First Visit to CQ at Hamilton Island Airport

On Sunday 26 December, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-IJU was noted making its first visit into Central Queensland after it was acquired by the airline from Singapore Airlines (SilkAir).  It completed two visits into Hamilton Island Airport, arriving from and departing back to Brisbane as VOZ1493/4/7/8.

VH-IJU was photographed above arriving into Brisbane Airport after completing its first visit to Hamo.

As mentioned below, B737-800 was previously operated by SilkAir (now merged with Singapore Airlines) as 9M-MGG and was delivered to Virgin Australia in Brisbane in November.

After being promptly placed on the Australian Aircraft Register and VH-IJU, it spent a couple of weeks at the end of November at Townsville where it was re-painted in to the full Virgin Australia livery.

VH-IJU entered service with Virgin Australia on Friday 17 December and is the fourth ex-SilkAir B737-800 to do so.

As mentioned below, Virgin Australia will take delivery of seven former SilkAir B737-800 aircraft. With SilkAir now merged with parent airline, Singapore Airlines, these aircraft were deemed surplus to requirements. SilkAir moved to dispose of the planes earlier this year. It is reported these aircraft are 9V-MGF, 9V-MGG, 9V-MGH, 9V-MGI, 9V-MGJ, 9V-MGP, and 9V-MGQ.

Photo taken by Lloyd Fox  ©