'Pure joy': Virgin Australia's Pride Flights take off for Sydney Mardi Gras
With disco music, drag queens, rainbow flags and cabin crew adorned with glitter, special pride flights will take off today ahead of Sydney's Mardi Gras Parade.
Airline Virgin Australia's Pride Flights 2025, dubbed a sky-high disco will jet in from Brisbane and Melbourne in time for the parade on Saturday.
Even the flight numbers are significant - VA2017 to mark the year same-sex marriage was legalised in Australia and VA 1978, when Sydney's first Mardi Gras Parade was held.
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Virgin Australia has special Pride Flights. Supplied
Pride Flight guests can also ride the DiDi Disco Bus to the official Pride Flight Landing Party at The Beresford in Sydney's Surry Hills.
Cabin crew member Emma Brierley, 23, from Perth admits the special flights were one of the reasons she wanted to work for the company.
"I love the pure joy that radiates from everyone on board," she tells 9Travel.
"The inclusivity, the freedom to be yourself, and the electric atmosphere make it an unforgettable experience."
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Virgin Australia crew including Emma will look a little different for today's flight. Supplied
Emma will accessorise her iconic Virgin Australia red dress with glitter and sequins.
Meanwhile, Brisbane cabin crew member Joe Booth, dubbed the flight "a high-energy, sky-high party with purpose."
He'll be unmissable on board, as he'll be wearing a bedazzled silver cowboy hat, silver eyeshadow and rhinestones.
Also working will be Perth-based Cabin Manager, Jody Tako. She has a different take on the event.
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A drag queen on one of the Virgin Pride flights. Virgin Australia
Flight crew parade through Brisbane Airport. Virgin Australia
"For me, it's not just about the rainbow decorations, the music or the fabulous entertainment," she says.
"It's about the sense of belonging. Seeing people from all walks of life feel free to be themselves, knowing they are supported and celebrated, is incredibly moving."
Pride Flight proceeds will support the Virgin Australia Scholarship.
"Pride Flight is more than just a flight - it's a celebration of diversity and inclusion. We're incredibly proud to bring people together in such a spectacular way and make this a standout event on our annual calendar for our teams and guests," Virgin Australia Executive, Lisa Burquest, said.
