Virgin Australia Boeing B737-700 VH-NQI (ex PH-BGX) First Visit to Central Queensland at Rockhampton Airport

On Saturday 6 May, Virgin Australia Boeing B737-7K2(WL) VH-NQI was finally noted making its first visit into Central Queensland at Rockhampton Airport after it was acquired by the airline from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

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VH-NQI operated the VOZ1239/40 service from and back to Brisbane.

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

File photo

File photo

VH-NQI was delivered to Virgin Australia, arriving into Brisbane Airport on Wednesday 29 March from Singapore (Seletar) Airport as VOZ9948.  It entered service on Tuesday 4 April and soon found its way over to Western Australia where it operated out of Perth for some time.

It’s also interesting to note that VH-NQI has been painted into the Virgin Australia livery and has been named 'Noosa Heads 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 sixth B737-700 aircraft due for delivery is 2-HBGK (to become VH-NQY) (ex PH-BGK) 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 'Wategos Beach'.

Photos taken by Tony Haynes, Adam Trefon and Wally H  ©