Virgin Australia History
2000

Virgin Blue’s first flight was DJ214 from Brisbane to Sydney on 31 August 2000.
The airline had one route, two aircraft, and a dedicated team of just 200 people.

2001

14 new routes were launched, expanding to a true national domestic network.
We welcomed our millionth Guest onboard in June 2001.

2002

Nine new routes launched.
Patrick Corporation acquired a 50 per cent share in Virgin Blue Airlines.

2003

Launch of Virgin Blue’s holiday arm, Blue Holidays
Virgin Blue Holdings floated on the Australian Stock Exchange, December 2003.
Patrick Corporation invested a further $137m at the time of the Initial Public Offering.

2004

Launch of Pacific Blue, a New Zealand-based leisure-focussed international airline offering flights between Australia, New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu.

2005

Launch of Polynesian Blue in partnership with the Government of Samoa to launch. The first flight departed Auckland for Apia of 30 October.
Virgin Blue became first Australian airline to offer an online Web Check-In service.
Virgin Blue’s 50th aircraft went into service.
Launch of our loyalty program Velocity Rewards.
Patrick acquired a further 17 per cent of Virgin Blue for $346m, giving it a controlling 62.4 per cent stake in the company.

2006

Toll Holdings acquired Patrick Corporation and therefore took a controlling 63 per cent shareholding in Virgin Blue.

2007

Plans to establish a long haul international airline, V Australia, announced.
Virgin Blue launched Australia’s first government-certified airline Carbon Offset Program.
Pacific Blue launched domestic services in New Zealand.

2008

Launch of Virgin Blue’s Premium Economy product.
Toll divested its controlling stake in Virgin Blue Holdings, making Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group the largest single shareholder at that time, with 25.5 per cent.

2009

V Australia’s inaugural flight from Sydney to Los Angeles (February) and Brisbane to Los Angeles (April).
Virgin Blue lodged application with the US DoT and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to operate a Trans-Pacific joint venture with Delta Air Lines Inc. (The ACCC authorised the joint venture for five years on 10 December 2009. We await US DoT approval.)

2010

Appointment of John Borghetti as the new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, effective May 8, 2010.
Virgin Blue became the first Australian airline to offer remote check-in via your mobile, called “Check-Mate!”
Virgin Blue Group of Airlines and Air New Zealand seek regulatory approval to create a trans-Tasman alliance. (Final approval was received from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the New Zealand Ministry of Transport in December 2010.)
Virgin Blue awarded Best Low-Cost Airline (Australia/Pacific), in the 2010 Skytrax World Airline Awards - the fourth time Virgin Blue won the award, also winning it in 2002, 2004 and 2008.
New business strategy - the Game Change program – announced.
Comprehensive partnership with Etihad Airways announced, including plans for V Australia to commence flights between Sydney and Abu Dhabi in 2011.
Announced the introduction of a total of four Airbus A330-200 aircraft to the Virgin Blue fleet to operate Australian trans-continental routes. Two scheduled for delivery in May 2011 and two for early 2012.

2011

V Australia launches new services between Sydney and Abu Dhabi
Implementation of comprehensive partnership with Etihad and Trans-Tasman alliance with Air New Zealand.
New uniforms designed by Juli Grbac are launched
Luke Mangan inspired new menu options are revealed
A330 Coast to Coast Business Class is announced and goes on sale
Australia's first Lounge Premium Entry and Premium Valet at Sydney Airport opens
Virgin Australia is announced as the company’s new name
New lounges open in Melbourne and Brisbane
Virgin Australia Airlines and Delta Air Lines received final approval for their trans-Pacific alliance
Virgin Australia and Singapore Airlines signed a landmark agreement to establish a long-term alliance
Virgin Australia launches new Velocity frequent flyer program
ATR-72 aircraft enter into service on key regional routes
Virgin Australia Business Class goes on sale across the domestic network
Our international airlines, Pacific Blue and V Australia, adopt Virgin Australia brand