Australia's second largest airline Virgin Blue Holdings Ltd. (VBA.AU) said Thursday it has signed the previously flagged agreement with Boeing Co. (BA) to buy up to 105 new 737 aircraft, its largest ever aircraft order.

The new planes, which include 50 firm orders for B737-800NG aircraft to be delivered from June 2011 through to 2017, will be used to replace existing narrow-bodied 737 aircraft and for deployment on new routes and additional frequencies.

The order includes 25 options over additional firm delivery positions and 30 future purchase rights, but the pricing of the aircraft wasn't disclosed in the statement from the airline.

"Securing this agreement now places Virgin Blue in a strong position to prepare for steady future growth as domestic and short haul markets recover," said outgoing Chief Executive Brett Godfrey.

-By Bill Lindsay, Dow Jones Newswires; 61-2-8272-4694; bill.lindsay@dowjones.com
Virgin Blue Holdings (ASX:VBA)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2024 to May 2024 Click Here for more Virgin Blue Holdings Charts.
Virgin Blue Holdings (ASX:VBA)
Historical Stock Chart
From May 2023 to May 2024 Click Here for more Virgin Blue Holdings Charts.