Avolon, a leading global aviation finance company, has delivered the first of six Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft it has agreed to sale and leaseback with Virgin Australia. Virgin Australia has been an Avolon customer since 2011 and Avolon already has eight aircraft on lease to the airline.

The new aircraft will support Virgin Australia’s fleet growth and renewal plans. Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Avolon commented: “We have a strong and long-standing relationship with Virgin Australia and are delighted to support their plans with 6 new 737-8 MAX aircraft. The scale of our orderbook and balance sheet give us the ability to provide our customer airlines with bespoke solutions to support their expansion and fleet transition.”

Race Strauss, Chief Financial Officer at Virgin Australia, commented: “We value our ongoing partnership with Avolon and we are pleased to welcome our first 737-8 MAX with the lessor. We look forward to building on our relationship with Avolon through future deliveries.” This delivery will be the 12th 737-8 MAX aircraft in Virgin Australia’s fleet.