An Australian Revolution

The year was 2000 and it was time for a revolution. Virgin Blue first launched in to Australian skies on 31st August 2000, introducing travellers to a brand new concept in air travel and providing some much needed competition in Australia’s duopoly aviation environment.

Fast forward to today and the success of Virgin Blue has seen the airline grow from a single carrier to a multi-award winning group of Airlines with an annual turnover of more than AUD $2.2 billion.

Included in the group is Australian domestic airline ‘Virgin Blue Airlines’, international subsidiary ‘Pacific Blue Airlines’ operating trans-Tasman short haul Pacific and domestic New Zealand services, ‘Polynesian Blue Airlines’, our joint venture airline with the Government of Samoa and of course, ‘V Australia Airlines’, Australia’s newest international airline set to operate trans-Pacific flights from the east coast of Australia to the west coast of the United States of America.

The airlines provide domestic air services throughout Australia and New Zealand and international services to Australia, New Zealand, Vanuatu, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and from late 2008, the United States of America (subject to regulatory approval).

Together the airlines employ approximately 5000 team members and operate a fleet of 63 aircraft including the Boeing NG 737-700 and NG737-800 series jet and the Brazilian manufactured executive-style Embraer E-170 and E-190 jet. V Australia Airlines will operate a fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Virgin Blue is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (VBA) and is majority Australian owned.

Virgin Blue Airlines

From humble beginnings, launching as the first sustainable low fare airline in Australian skies, Virgin Blue has evolved and is today recognised the world over as a leader and innovator in the global aviation industry.

The airline has approximately 32% of the domestic market and operates over 2,400 flights a week to 24 Australian cities and regional destinations.  Virgin Blue was also the first airline in the Southern Hemisphere to offer travellers a carbon offset program to support environmental research and projects as part of the Virgin Blue Group of Airlines sustainable environment policy.

Virgin Blue also has 24 Embarer E-Jets on order to facilitate its growth strategy for the launch of new regional destinations as well as increased frequency on existing key business routes.

 The airline  evolved from a low cost carrier to a New World Carrier, maintaining a low cost base and affordable fares, while at the same time offering a high quality product, comprehensive route network, corporate lounge facilities, a loyalty program “Velocity”*, revolutionary “Live2Air’ seatback in-flight entertainment and its world-famous friendly service style.

Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue Airlines

Pacific Blue first took off in 2003 with the aim of offering an affordable flying option for leisure Guests travelling between Australia and New Zealand and to the beautiful islands of the South Pacific.  The Pacific Blue brand has been warmly embraced by the travelling public, especially on the Pacific Islands routes that were previously only served by one carrier.  The success of Pacific Blue on trans-Tasman and South Pacific routes inspired the airline to launch domestic New Zealand flights in November 2007 to bring the same service and low fares for people wanting to travel within New Zealand.

Polynesian Blue launched in October 2005 as a joint venture airline between the Government of Samoa and Virgin Blue Airlines. 

The airline was named “New Airline of the Year” at the 2006 Centre for Asia Pacific (CAPA) Aviation Awards for Excellence and has been credited for its significant contribution to the strong increase in tourism figures for Samoa.

Pacific Blue operates six Next Generation 737-800 aircraft to 12 destinations, including operating air services for Polynesian Blue, its international airline partner.

*Velocity is operated by Velocity Rewards Pty Ltd.