Virgin Australia, the trading name of Virgin Australia Airlines Pty Ltd, is an airline based in Brisbane, Australia. It is one of two active airlines to use the Virgin brand, as well as the larger by fleet size. It commenced services on 31 August 2000 as Virgin Blue, with two aircraft on a single route. It suddenly found itself as a major airline in Australia's domestic market after the collapse of Ansett Australia in September 2001. The airline has since grown to directly serve 32 cities in Australia, from hubs in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
Virgin Blue's 50th Boeing 737 Virgin-ia Blue was the only aircraft in the fleet to be actually painted blue. This aircraft is now in Virgin Australia livery.
Boeing 737-800 in the old Virgin Blue red livery at Perth Airport in 2004
The first Virgin Australia Boeing 737 to wear the airline's new livery arrives at Sydney Airport for the launch of the new brand
Close-up of the new Virgin Australia titles on Boeing 737 Bondi Beach, at Sydney Airport for the launch of the new brand
Ansett Australia was a major Australian airline group, based in Melbourne, Victoria. The airline flew domestically within Australia and from the 1990s to destinations in Asia. After operating for 65 years, the airline was placed into administration in 2001 following a financial collapse and subsequent organised liquidation in 2002, subject to deed of company arrangement. The last flight touched down on 5 March 2002.
Two Ansett Lockheed Model 10 Electra aircraft at Mildura in 1938
Bristol 171 Sycamore in Ansett-ANA service in Australia around 1960: Note possible spraying arm attachments.
Short S.25 Sandringham of Ansett Flying Boat Services at Rose Bay Water Airport in Sydney in October 1970 when operating the schedule to Lord Howe Island
Ansett Douglas DC-4 (a civilianised C-54 Skymaster transport) Cargomaster freighter at Essendon Airport in 1970, wearing the Braniff-inspired Ansett-ANA "Golden Jet" colours