Three Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 Aircraft Damaged in Two Separate Incidents in Recent Days

Over recent days there has been a couple of nasty incidents involving three Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 aircraft.

Firstly, on Tuesday 6 December, B737-800 VH-VUI was operating as VOZ1465 from Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Darwin and veered off the runway when landing in high winds at Darwin Airport.  It is reported that the aircraft sustained unspecified minor damage and will be withdrawn from service for the short time.

VH-VUI taxis at Rockhampton Airport in happier times  (File photo)

UPDATE!  On Thursday 15 December, VH-VUI positioned from Darwin to Brisbane VOZ9924 and has since entered the Brisbane Airport maintenance facility.

UPDATE!  On Friday 13 January, VH-VUI returned to service for Virgin Australia operating as VOZ314 from Brisbane to Melbourne.

Then the very next day on Wednesday 7 December, Boeing B737-800s VH-VUP and VH-YFT were both damaged in a ground collision at Hobart Airport.

VH-VUP departs Mackay Airport in happier times  (File photo)

VH-YFT lands at Proserpine Airport in happier times  (File photo)

VH-VUP was preparing to operate as VOZ1321 from Hobart to Melbourne (Tullamarine) and was struck by sister aircraft VH-YFT whilst at the gate, sustaining damage to the port wingtip.

VH-YFT was preparing to operate as VOZ1351 from Hobart to Sydney and struck the port wingtip of VH-VUP while turning out of the gate.

Both flights were subsequently cancelled.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 8 December, B737-800 VH-VUP positioned from Hobart to Melbourne (Tullamarine) as VOZ9901.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 14 December, B737-800 VH-VUP re-entered service with Virgin flying as VOZ749 from Melbourne (Tullamarine) to the Gold Coast.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 11 December, B737-800 VH-YFT positioned from Hobart to Melbourne (Tullamarine) as VOZ9913 before then later re-entering service as VOZ1324 (ironically) from Melbourne to Hobart.

Photos taken by 'AC' and 'IAD'  ©