Virgin Australia Boeing B737-700 VH-NJV (ex PH-BGT) First Visit to Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport

On Wednesday 1 February, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-7K2(WL) VH-NJV was noted making its first visit into Central Queensland at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport after it was acquired by the airline from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

VH-NJV at Adelaide Airport recently

VH-NJV operated the VOZ1117/8 afternoon service from and back to Brisbane. It had only entered service with Virgin Australia over the previous weekend.

As mentioned, the B737-7K2(WL) was previously operated by KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) as PH-BGT with it wearing a temporary registration marking of 2-HBGT prior to it then being placed on the Australian Aircraft Register.

File photo

VH-NJV was delivered to Virgin Australia, arriving into Brisbane Airport on Saturday 21 January from Singapore (Seletar) Airport as VOZ9948.

It’s also interesting to note that VH-NJV has been painted into the Virgin Australia livery and has been named 'Little 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.

The fifth B737-700 aircraft due for delivery is 2-HBGX (to become VH-NQI) (ex PH-BGX) and is currently also at Singapore receiving pre-service maintenance.  It is reportedly also in full Virgin Australia livery and titles and also wears the name 'Noosa Heads Beach'.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes and Pete Macklin  ©