Virgin Blue buying 105 new Boeing aircraft

Australian airline Virgin Blue Holdings Ltd will purchase up to 105 new Boeing 737 aircraft over a six-year period to replace old planes, protect market share and to expand into new routes.

Part of the deal includes a firm order for 50 Boeing 737-800NG aircraft – which can be converted to either the 700 or 900 series – flagged at the company’s half-year results presentation last month.

* The remaining 55 orders are made up of 25 firm additional delivery positions secured as options and a further 30 future purchase rights.

* The planes are due for delivery between June 2011 and 2017.