The airline will bring back its annual Pride Flight services to Sydney just in time for the Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. It’s set to depart from Melbourne for the first time, following the success of the Pride Flight which departed Brisbane last year.
The flights will be hosted by ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under’ alumni Maxi Shield and Coco Jumbo, who’ll be joined by Sydney drag royalty Penny Tration and Tora Hymen.
Before takeoff will be a pre-flight departure party, and once the wheels are up you can expect celebrity appearances, mid-air drag performances, bottomless beverages, DJ entertainment, and all of the trimmings you’d expect from a pride celebration including rainbows, glitter and a whole lot of fabulous.
“Every year, we are fortunate to fly guests to Australia’s largest gay and lesbian celebration in Sydney, and as the ultimate festival of love, acceptance and inclusivity, we could not miss the opportunity to bring our wonderful Pride Flight celebration back again in 2022,” Virgin Australia Group Chief People Officer, Lisa Burquest says.
“This year, not only will we operate a Pride Flight from Brisbane, but we are doubling our pride services to also include the first Virgin Australia-operated Pride Flight from Melbourne, and we expect tickets to sell out quickly.
“Virgin Australia is incredibly focussed on recognising and celebrating the wonderfully diverse community in which we live, work and fly, and our Pride Flight is a true testament of that. We are so proud of our inclusive culture, where everyone belongs and is encouraged to be their authentic self.
“This year, $30 from the sale of each Pride Flight ticket will be donated to Minus 18 who do incredible work in the community to lead change and build social inclusion for young people and we’re really proud to partner with them.”
Pride Flight host and Virgin Australia cabin crew member Penny Tration can’t wait to return to the skies.
“I’ve been flying with Virgin Australia for 15 years and it’s an honour to share our team’s unique culture, the heart and soul of the airline, with you all. Virgin Australia has gone to great lengths to unlock its culture and harness the spirit of its people and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of the Pride Flight while rocking my sky-high stilettos.”
Virgin’s Pride Flights take off from Melbourne and Brisbane on 4 March.
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