Virgin Australia Launches Toy Story 5-Themed Aircraft
Virgin Australia has unveiled a unique Boeing 737 aircraft painted with characters from Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, marking the airline’s first co-branded livery in nearly a decade. This special aircraft will begin flying across Australia ahead of the film’s release on June 18, offering passengers an exciting glimpse into the world of the beloved franchise.
The aircraft features iconic characters such as Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear, and will be part of a broader marketing campaign tied to the movie. The campaign includes themed experiences at airport terminals, airline lounges, and on-board flights over the coming months. 
Virgin Australia stated that the aircraft is expected to be seen by hundreds of thousands of travelers, including international visitors exploring the country. The launch also coincides with more than 30 years since the first Toy Story movie captivated audiences worldwide.
Starting from June 1, passengers traveling with Virgin Australia will have the opportunity to receive Toy Story 5-themed giveaways for children, including coloring packs. Additionally, the airline’s inflight entertainment system will feature the entire Toy Story film series alongside over 60 Disney movies. 
A themed inflight game will run on domestic services between June 15 and July 19, allowing passengers to enter a competition to win a Pixar-themed experience in Tokyo for up to four people. Virgin Australia is also introducing “Toy Tickets,” which allow children to request personalized boarding passes for their teddy bears and soft toys traveling with them.
This initiative was inspired by an incident involving a young passenger who was reunited with a lost teddy after it was left behind on a Virgin Australia flight. Special Toy Story 5 screenings are also planned for selected Velocity Frequent Flyer Platinum Plus members in locations across Australia.
A Magical Partnership
Libby Minogue, Virgin Australia’s chief marketing and customer operations officer, emphasized the significance of this partnership. She stated that the collaboration aims to bring the Toy Story franchise into different parts of the travel experience.
“Toy Story has always been about more than just characters; it’s the nostalgia and joy it holds for so many people,” Ms. Minogue said. “Through our partnership with The Walt Disney Company Australia, we’re bringing the magic into the travel experience, creating moments of surprise and delight for our guests in a way that is distinctly Virgin Australia.”
She added that the airline is always looking for new ways to enhance the flying experience and that this partnership with Disney is the start of something magical. It allows Virgin Australia to reimagine the travel experience in new and engaging ways while delivering greater value for its Velocity Frequent Flyer members.
Celebrating a Beloved Franchise
Kylie Watson-Wheeler, senior vice-president and managing director of The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand, expressed her excitement about the collaboration. She highlighted that the partnership would celebrate the long-running Toy Story franchise with airline passengers.
“We’re thrilled to see Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 take flight with Virgin Australia in this special celebration of the film,” Ms. Watson-Wheeler said. “Our iconic Toy Story characters and story have a special place in the hearts of generations. We can’t wait to see all the magical ways this collaboration brings joy to Virgin Australia customers.” 
