Virgin Australia has announced the return of its annual ‘Pride Flight’ services to Sydney, ahead of the country’s largest gay and lesbian celebration, with a flight from Melbourne added this year.
The flights will depart from Brisbane and Melbourne to Sydney on Friday 4 March and feature a pre-flight departure party, celebrity appearances, mid-air drag performances, bottomless beverages, and DJ entertainment.
The events will be hosted by Maxi Shield and Coco Jumbo of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, with award-winning Sydney drag royalty and Virgin Australia cabin crew member, Penny Tration, alongside Tora Hymen.
Virgin Australia Group chief people officer, Lisa Burquest said she is proud to lead a company that celebrates diversity and inclusiveness.
“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.
“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.”
Tration said she can’t wait to return to the skies in her red uniform, glitter and sky-high heels.
“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,” Traiton said.
