Air Transport

Australia's Virgin Blue is looking to place an order for up to 60 aircraft by the end of this year as it evaluates a replacement for some of its original Boeing 737s.

Speaking to ATI during new long-haul arm V Australia's inaugural flight from Sydney to Los Angeles, Virgin Blue CEO Brett Godfrey said: "Our first purchases were eight or nine years ago and 16 are coming off lease next year. We are in a good position for a fleet renewal of roughly 50 to 60 aircraft over the next 12 months."

He explains that 33 of Virgin Blue's aircraft are due to come off lease by 2015, creating a need for the 180-seat aircraft order.

"This could be an interesting time [to place an order]. We hope to be in a position to do something towards the end of this year."