Virgin Australia has brought back its popular Premium Entry in Brisbane and a Priority Screening lane at Melbourne Airport in a boost to travel times for frequent flyers.

The move comes as airport waiting times have soared in recent times and will be warmly welcomed by travellers.

Virgin Australia has also this week ordered an additional four Boeing 737 MAX 8, which will raise the carrier’s fleet to 92 aircraft.

The premium security experience, reserved for Velocity Frequent Flyer Platinum, Gold and Beyond members, Virgin Australia Business Class guests, and eligible high tier guests of the airline’s renowned international airline partners, will open between 5.00am and 10.00am weekdays, allowing guests to swiftly move through both airports.

“We are laser focussed on creating great travel experiences for our guests and we are pleased to provide fast track security screening for eligible customers in Melbourne and Brisbane airports,” a Virgin Australia Group spokesperson said.

“We know time is important for our most frequent flyers, and our expanded security facilities in Brisbane and Melbourne are a ticket for loyal guests to quickly move through the screening process, so they can spend more time enjoying our lounge experience prior to their flight.”

Virgin Australia also has a Premium Entry at Sydney Airport and the facility is expected to re-open in the coming months.

“Virgin Australia is continuing to work through options with Sydney Airport Corporation,” the spokesperson said.

MORE BOEING 737 AIRCRAFT ON THE WAY

On the fleet front, Virgin Australia Group has today announced four additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft have been ordered.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which are in addition to another four MAX 8 aircraft announced in April 2022, will reduce emissions by 15 per cent per flight and play an important part in Virgin Australia’s Net Zero journey, according to Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka.

She said these additional aircraft support capacity increases in-line with Virgin Australia’s broader growth strategy bringing total Boeing 737 fleet to 92 (consisting of 737-700s, 737-800s and Boeing MAX 8s) an increase of nearly 60 per cent since relaunching in November 2020.

Hrdlicka said the announcements demonstrate the airline’s commitment to the Australian aviation market and to sustainably grow its fleet for long-term success.

She said the key to Virgin Australia’s success in remaining Australia’s most loved airline is undoubtedly its people and increasing domestic 737 training capacity by 25 per cent is a major win for the airline.

“Not only will we have increased pilot training capacity shortly, I am delighted that this week we have reached another major milestone with our team growing to over 7,000 team members, which is a real indication of the growth delivered in a very short time by Virgin Australia,” Hrdlicka said.

“The future of Virgin Australia is bright, and today’s announcements highlight our commitment to maintain strong competition for Australians who want to travel and experience great value. It also underscores our confidence in our underlying performance and commitment to Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“Despite the challenges faced by our industry, demand for travel remains strong and we’re responding with a focus on the long-term by increasing the efficiency and sustainability of our fleet with four additional Boeing MAX 8s joining our fleet from 2023,” she said.

The first delivery of the additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft is expected in 2023.