- The first Pride Flight operated by Virgin Australia departed today ahead the country's largest annual gay and lesbian celebration
- The special celebration included a COVID-safe pre-flight departure party at Brisbane Airport
- A mid-air marriage proposal took passengers on board by surprise
Friday 5 March 2021: Pride was celebrated sky-high today, with Virgin Australia holding its first-ever Pride Flight ahead of the country's largest annual gay and lesbian celebration this weekend.
The one-off flight from Brisbane to Sydney carried more than 120 passengers and was operated by LGBTQ+ cabin crew and allies. Special guests on board included Alli Simpson, Richard Reid, Jack Vidgen, Sophie Cachia and celebrity drag queen, Maxi Shield.
With an abundance of glitter, rainbows and sky-high stilettos, the event was hosted by Australian drag royalty and veteran Virgin Australia cabin crew member Penny Tration, who wore a striking red Virgin Australia uniform.
Speaking at Brisbane Airport ahead of the Pride Flight departing, Virgin Australia Group CEO and Managing Director Jayne Hrdlicka said she was proud of what Virgin Australia stands for.
"It's a privilege to lead a company that celebrates diversity and inclusion in the way that Virgin Australia does, and I'm incredibly proud of our team who have created such a fantastic event for LGBTQ+ people and their allies to celebrate Pride," said Ms Hrdlicka.
"Every year, so many of our guests fly with us for the annual celebrations in Sydney and we wanted to show them how much we support and value the community. We also have many in our team who identify as LGBTQ+ and we want them to know they can come to work each day as their true, authentic selves.
"Today, our people are showing how bold and fun our airline can be with our trademark Virgin flair on full display," she said.
The flight was farewelled with much fanfare following a COVID-safe pre-flight departure party, with performances by Penny Tration and some of Brisbane's favourite drag entertainers from Fluffy nightclub.
Food and beverages were free flowing, with a Yarra Burn Prosecco signature cocktail topped with glitter fairy floss and bags of Darrell Lea Loves Allsorts liquorice – the first time in Darrell Lea's almost 100-year history that they've changed the name of their iconic liquorice product in support of diversity and inclusiveness.
Because it's hard to have a gay time on your own, the airline distributed Streets Golden Gaytime ice creams to all guests prior to boarding, as team members lined the boarding queue waving rainbow flags.
Once onboard, the party continued for the hour and a half flight with mid-air drag performances, bottomless beverages and in-flight games, including seat pocket bingo.
The ultimate showstopper occurred shortly before the aircraft made its descent into Sydney, testifying that love was truly in the air on the Virgin Australia Pride Flight, when Chris Lai popped the question to his long-term partner, Cédric Thiery, both from Melbourne, with the couple officially becoming engaged at 40,000ft.
