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

It was the 10th Boeing 737-8 MAX for Virgin Australia

Entered onto the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-8IJ - June 16, 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 the 'Virgin Australia' livery - June 29, 2025

Powered by CFM International LEAP -1B25 engines

Test flown (T1) Seattle (Renton - 17:18 UTC) - Seattle (Boeing Field - 17:39 UTC) as 'BOE11' - July 10, 2025

Test flown (T2) Seattle (Boeing Field - 17:30 UTC) - Everett (Paine Field) - Seattle (Boeing Field - 18:03) as BOE226 -

July 14, 2025

Test flown (T3) Seattle (Boeing Field - 19:49 UTC) - Seattle (Boeing Field - 20:09 UTC) as BOE226 - July 18, 2025

Test flown (T4) Seattle (Boeing Field - 16:42 UTC) - Seattle (Boeing Field - 19:20 UTC) as BOE11 - July 22, 2025

Test flown (C1) Seattle (Boeing Field - 16:10 UTC) - Seattle (Boeing Field - 18:39 UTC) as BOE11 - July 27, 2025

Accepted by Virgin Australia at Seattle (Boeing Field) - July 31, 2025

Ferried Seattle (Boeing Field - 13:08 UTC) - Orlando (Florida - 21:24 local) as VA9946 - July 31, 2025

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

Departed Orlando (Florida - 08:31 local) on its delivery flight to Australia as VA9947 - August 06, 2025

It arrived at Brisbane (13:14 AEST) on completion of the delivery flight from the United States - August 07, 2025

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

The aircraft was named 'Cape Tribulation'

Operated its first revenue service Brisbane - Melbourne (Tullamarine) as VA308 - August 13, 2025

Current with Virgin Australia Airlines