Virgin Australia unveils Toy Story 5 themed aircraft ahead of Disney Pixar film release

A Boeing 737 painted with characters from Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 will soon begin flying across Australia, as Virgin Australia launches its first co-branded aircraft livery in almost a decade ahead of the film’s June release.

The airline on Monday unveiled the themed aircraft featuring Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear, with the design set to appear across Virgin Australia’s domestic network in the lead-up to the release of Toy Story 5 in cinemas on June 18.

The custom-painted Boeing 737-800 forms part of a wider marketing campaign tied to the movie, with themed experiences also planned for airport terminals, airline lounges and on-board flights over the coming months.

Virgin Australia said the aircraft was expected to be seen by hundreds of thousands of travellers, including international visitors travelling throughout Australia.

The launch also coincides with more than 30 years since audiences were first introduced to the Toy Story franchise.

From June 1, passengers travelling with the airline will also be offered Toy Story 5-themed giveaways for children, including colouring packs, while the airline’s inflight entertainment system will feature the Toy Story film series alongside more than 60 Disney movies.

A themed inflight game will also run on domestic services between June 15 and July 19, with passengers able to enter a competition to win a Pixar-themed experience in Tokyo for up to four people.

Virgin Australia is also introducing “Toy Tickets”, allowing children to request personalised boarding passes for teddy bears and soft toys travelling with them.

The 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.

Virgin Australia chief marketing and customer operations officer Libby Minogue said the partnership aimed to bring the movie 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.

“We are always looking for new ways to bring wonderful to flying and this partnership with Disney is the start of something magical and allows us to reimagine the travel experience in new and engaging ways, while delivering greater value for our Velocity Frequent Flyer members.”

The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand senior vice-president and managing director Kylie Watson-Wheeler said the collaboration would celebrate the long-running 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.”