Virgin Australia Boeing B737-700 VH-NBV (ex PH-BGR) First Commercial Flight and First Visit to CQ at Mackay Airport

On Monday 31 October, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-7K2(WL) VH-NBV was noted making its first visit into Central Queensland at Mackay Airport after it was acquired by the airline from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

VH-NBV operated its first ever commercial service for the airline as VOZ609 from Brisbane.

Sadly, VH-NBV looked to suffer some technical problems and it remained on the ground at Mackay Airport.

UPDATE!  On Tuesday 1 November, VH-NBV departed Mackay Airport and returned to Brisbane as the delayed VOZ612. It later completed another return run to Mackay airport and back to Brisbane as VOZ605/8 and later still was heading back to Mackay Airport again as VOZ611 but turned back to Brisbane North of Rockhampton with a technical problem.

As mentioned, the B737-7K2(WL) was previously operated by KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) as PH-BGR with it wearing a temporary registration marking of OE-IBZ prior to it then being placed on the Australian Aircraft Register.

File photo

VH-NBV is pictured below at Brisbane Airport on Thursday 13 October following its delivery from Singapore (Seletar) Airport as VOZ9948.

It’s also interesting to note that VH-NBV has been given the name of ‘Christies Beach’.

As mentioned below, Virgin Australia will take delivery of seven former KLM B737-700 aircraft.

It is reported these aircraft are PH-BGR, PH-BGW, PH-BGU, PH-BGX, PH-BGK, PH-BGL and PH-BGT.

All these aircraft will reportedly operate with an all-economy 138-seat layout.

Photo contributed...

The second B737-700 aircraft due for delivery is VH-NBP (ex PH-BGW) and is currently also at Singapore receiving pre-service maintenance.

Photos taken by Lachie Fuge, Ton Smilde and Daniel Benefield  ©