Virgin Australia has ordered 23 new Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft to replace the outgoing 737-700 models, expected to exit the fleet by 2013.

The order will be the first in Australia and the aircraft will enter Virgin Australia’s fleet between 2019 and 2021, according to MediaNet.

For Virgin Australia’s current capacity plan to be met over the course of the next three years, the airline has delayed the delivery of some of its Boeing 737NG aircraft till after 2016.

Virgin Australia chief John Borghetti said the airline is committed to maintaining a young and flexible fleet of modern aircraft.

“In the past year alone, we have reduced our average fleet age from 4.9 to 4.2 years,” he said.

“The Boeing 737 has formed a critical part of the Virgin Australia fleet over the past decade thanks to its reliability, comfort and fuel efficiency. The Boeing 737 MAX will build on this, enabling us to achieve strong on time performance and maintain our low cost base.”

Mr Borghetti said Virgin Australia plans to continually monitor its fleet management.

“Virgin Australia will continue to review its fleet strategy to ensure we align fit-for-purpose aircraft to markets and maintain maximum flexibility in capacity management.”