Virgin Australia is joining forces with Star Wars and The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand in a year that marks the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort in California and the blockbuster release of Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker.

To celebrate, Virgin Australia surprised passengers boarding flight VA1 from Sydney to Los Angeles today with Stormtroopers patrolling the Sydney Airport check-in area, before R2D2, BB8 and the Resistance Pilots greeted them at the boarding gate with Star Wars-themed snacks.

Shortly after VA1 departed, passengers took part in an exclusive lightsaber competition with the winner receiving Virgin Australia flights to Los Angeles, five nights’ accommodation at the Disneyland Resort in California and access to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. 

Guests on the flight were also treated to their own lightsaber, Stormtrooper or Yoda pillow, and a special Star Wars inspired menu. To share their onboard Star Wars moments with their friends and family back home, guests were also provided with an hour of complimentary WiFi.

Virgin Australia operates daily flights to Los Angeles from Sydney; and five flights to Los Angeles from Melbourne and Brisbane every week. Guests receive all-inclusive meals and inflight entertainment including a selection of the latest Disney and Star Wars films on demand from July, as well as access to purchase international WiFi available.

Virgin Australia Marketing Director, Michael Nearhos said: “Entertainment is at the core of the Virgin DNA and we’re thrilled to be able to bring one of the most iconic movie franchises to life onboard.

“Today’s Star Wars-themed flight is the perfect way to celebrate our new alliance with Star Wars and The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand, and we look forward to taking many more guests from the award-winning Virgin Australia service onto an amazing adventure at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland Resort California.”

The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Kylie Watson-Wheeler said: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Virgin Australia and their guests on what will be an unforgettable journey. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the largest land ever built by The Walt Disney Company and showcases incredible creativity and cutting-edge technology. We look forward to transporting Star Wars fans to the other side of the galaxy!”

Virgin Australia is also offering two lucky guests the opportunity to win a trip to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with two return flights to LA, four nights’ accommodation at the Disneyland Resort, and two x 4-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper tickets. To enter, visit www.virginaustralia.com/galaxyedgenowboarding.

Virgin Australia Holidays has also released Star Wars packages for Australians planning their trip to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort California. For more information, visit: www.virginaustralia.com/starwars.