This aircraft was ordered new by Virgin Australia Pty Ltd - 2023

It was the 11th Boeing 737-8 MAX for Virgin Australia

Entered onto the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-8IK - June 18, 2025

Registered to Bank of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Leased to Virgin Australia International Airlines Pty Lyd, Brisbane as the registered operator

It was observed at Seattle (Renton) in 'primer' only - June 24, 2025

It was observed at Seattle (Renton) in the 'Virgin Australia' livery - July 14, 2025

Powered by CFM International LEAP -1B25 engines

Test flown (T1) Seattle (Renton - 17:01 UTC) - Seattle (Boeing Field - 19:29 UTC) as 'BOE012' - July 23, 2025

Test flown (T2) Seattle (Boeing Field - 15:45 UTC) - Seattle (Boeing Field - 16:32 UTC) as BOE012 - July 31, 2025

Test flown (T3) Seattle (Boeing Field - 20:23 UTC) - Seattle (Boeing Field - 20:52 UTC) as BOE012 - July 31, 2025

Test flown (C1) Seattle (Boeing Field - 17:02 UTC) - Seattle (Boeing Field - 19:35 UTC) as BOE012 - August 08, 2025

Accepted by Virgin Australia at Seattle (Boeing Field) - August 13, 2025

Ferried Seattle (Boeing Field - 18:30 UTC) - Orlando (Florida - 19:39 UTC) as VA9946 - August 13, 2025

The aircraft had its wi-fi system installed at Orlando International Airport, Florida

Departed Orlando (Florida - 07:52 local) on its delivery flight to Australia as VA9947 - August 19, 2025

It arrived at Brisbane (13:43 AEST) on completion of the delivery flight from the United States - August 21, 2025

Delivery route: Seattle (Boeing Field) - Orlando (Florida) - Ontario (California) - Kona (Hawaii) - Brisbane

The aircraft was named 'Hutt Lagoon'

Operated its first revenue service Brisbane - Bali (Denpasar) as VA45 - August 27, 2025

Current with Virgin Australia Airlines