Virgin Australia recommenced international flights on Thursday [16 December 2021], operating the first of the airline’s daily Fiji services since being relaunched 12 months ago.
The inaugural flight from Sydney International Airport was sent off in style with Virgin Australia CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka marking the occasion with a departure gate launch party to remember.
Passengers were treated to branded coconuts, free beach tote bags by Australian resort-wear brand Double Rainbouu, tropical Boost juices, and a performance by Fijian-Australian and 2022 Eurovision contestant, Paulini Curuenavuli, who sang a rendition of Madonna’s ‘Like A Virgin’ before a traditional Fijian song.
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For the final departing gift, CEO Jayne Hrdlicka announced that all passengers would each receive a free Economy return flight anywhere on the Virgin Australia domestic network, as a thank you for their support and loyalty.
Hrdlicka acknowledged the significant milestone, saying “Today is a significant day for Virgin Australia and our wonderful team members with the commencement of our first international flight since our relaunch 12 months ago.”
“Australians love Fiji and Virgin Australia is getting travellers there at great value. Prior to the pandemic, Virgin Australia held the highest market share of any other Australian carrier for services operated to Fiji and we aim to continue being very competitive.
“The mood in the airport has been electric today. It’s really heart-warming to see how excited our guests are to be travelling overseas again.”
Hrdlicka continued, saying: “As a business we’re going from strength to strength, and today’s flight is another big step forward in our transformation journey and demonstrates our commitment to our team and our guests.”
Many of the airline’s crew that have recently returned to work were in attendance, with the event a celebration for not only travelling passengers, but the airline, as it marks another positive step forward in the recovery of the aviation and tourism industries.
Virgin Australia is scheduled to expand its international network over the coming months, with the resumption of services between Melbourne and Brisbane and Fiji, before returning to Bali and Queenstown, New Zealand in the new year.
