● From today, Santa will be popping up on all Virgin Australia flights across the network until the last flight on Friday 24 December to surprise and delight unsuspecting travellers.

● As he only flies once a year, Santa is brushing up on his piloting skills ahead of taking his sleigh to the skies on Christmas Eve.

● Festive young flyers will also have the opportunity to fill in a Santa Request Form for the friendly crew to give directly to Santa during his hot chocolate breaks.

Tuesday 21 December 2021: The magic of Christmas has taken to the skies with Santa making an appearance on every Virgin Australia flight across the network in the lead up to Christmas to delight the youngest travellers, as well as the young at heart.

Delivering presents around the world doesn’t just take a magic reindeer-powered sleigh, it also takes some very impressive piloting. As Santa only flies once a year, he’s joining the skilful Virgin Australia crew ahead of taking his sleigh to the skies late on Christmas Eve.

On all Virgin Australia flights from today until the last flight on Christmas Eve, co-pilot Clause will take to the aircraft PA to welcome festive young flyers on board and share a very special message to spread some magical Christmas cheer.

Whilst on board, children will also receive a Santa Request Form where they can share their Christmas list - and answer a few questions to ensure they will make it onto Santa’s good list. Santa is asking the hard-hitting questions like “Did you eat enough veggies?”, “Did you do your chores?”, “Did you brush your teeth?” and “Did you go to bed when you were supposed to?”

Virgin Australia’s friendly cabin crew members will then collect the forms and pass them directly on to Santa, who will review them during his hot chocolate breaks.

Virgin Australia Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Paul Jones said Christmas is such a magical time of year, and after the year most Australians have had, being able to bring some festive cheer to our flights was important to us.

“We are delighted that Santa opted to brush up on his piloting skills with Virgin Australia, and we are honoured to play even just a small part in the safe delivery of everyone’s Christmas presents this year,” said Mr Jones.

“At Virgin Australia we’re committed to creating great guest experiences no matter the age of the traveller, and our partnership with Santa is a really good example of how we are bringing so much joy to our flights this festive season.”