Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-IXJ (ex 9V-MGJ) First Visit to CQ at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

On Wednesday 6 April, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-800 VH-IXJ was noted making its first visit into Central Queensland after it was acquired by the airline from Singapore Airlines (SilkAir).  VH-IXJ made its first visit to CQ operating from and back to Brisbane on the VOZ1117/8 service to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

VH-IXJ taxies into Brisbane yesterday.

As mentioned below, B737-800 was previously operated by SilkAir (now merged with Singapore Airlines) as 9V-MGJ and was delivered to Virgin Australia in Brisbane in February this year after flying in from Singapore (Changi) as SIA8892.  After being promptly placed on the Australian Aircraft Register and VH-IXJ, it then flew up to Townsville where it was re-painted into the Virgin Australia livery.

VH-IXJ departs Brisbane to Townsville for painting.

VH-IXJ finally entered service with Virgin Australia Friday 1 April.  It becomes the seventh and final former SilkAir B737-800 to enter service with the airline.

As mentioned below, Virgin Australia has now taken delivery of all 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.

All photos taken by Lloyd Fox  ©