Virgin Australia today celebrated 10 years of international flights, announcing eight new international codeshare services and a 72 hour flight sale to mark the occasion.

The airline’s first international flight, DJ007 departed from Christchurch, New Zealand at 11am on 29 January 2004 for Brisbane, Australia.

Since then, the airline has grown from offering one international destination to offering over 400 destinations worldwide. Virgin Australia operates to 16 destinations internationally and through its strategic alliance partners, offers 386 codeshare and interline destinations across the world.

Virgin Australia Chief Commercial Officer Judith Crompton said: “Virgin Australia is proud to be a national carrier, flying Australians and visitors around Australia and abroad. Over the past 10 years, we have operated over 100,000 international flights, carrying around 15 million passengers.

“Our strategy of flying into key international hubs and creating a virtual global network with our alliance partners has brought significant benefits for consumers and for our business.

“Through Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program, customers can earn and redeem Velocity Frequent Flyer Points and Status Credits across our entire international network of more than 400 destinations with eligible guests receiving access to alliance partner lounges across the globe.

“From a business perspective, we have seen codeshare and interline revenue more than triple over the last three years.ⁱ

“Today we are also pleased to announce new codeshare services to major business and tourist destinations in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, as part of our commitment to continuing to enhance our offering for travellers“, Ms Crompton said.

The eight new international codeshare services include Seattle and Boston with Delta Air Lines, Zurich, Minsk, Medina and Rome with Etihad Airways and Athens and Brunei with Singapore Airlines.ⁱⁱ

To celebrate, the airline has launched a 72 hour international sale from 29 January – 31 January 2014. Economy sale fares include Brisbane to Los Angeles return from $1,435^iii, Melbourne to Fiji from $280^iv one way and Sydney to Auckland from $149 one way.^v

The airline’s international fleet consists of Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

ⁱThis compares codeshare and interline revenue from Financial Year 2011 to codeshare and interline revenue from Financial Year 2013, as per publically available data.

ⁱⁱAll destinations and routes are subject to relevant government approvals.

ⁱⁱⁱFares quoted are Economy return departing Brisbane to Los Angeles. Fares are on sale from 12:01am AEST 29 January 2014 to 11:59pm AEST 31 January 2014 unless sold out prior, for travel from 16 February 2014 to 31 March 2014 and from 14 October 2014 to 24 November 2014. All fares are subject to availability and may vary until ticketed and are for Economy Return travel. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or peak days. Fares are quoted in AUD and are inclusive of taxes. A Booking and Service fee of $30 AUD per person per booking is applicable to all fares when paid by credit card, debit card or PayPal. Tickets purchased through the Guest Contact Centre cost $60 AUD more. Fares are non-refundable. Fare price is based on a Saver fare. Fares are correct as at 29 January 2014 and are subject to change. Checked baggage allowance is included on Saver or Flexi fares or purchase excess baggage at the airport for $150 AUD per piece. For more information please see the Baggage Details page on our website. Change/cancel fees apply. The applicable change or cancel fee will be the fee published on our website on the date you request the change. The Fare difference is payable on changes made within fare rules. Flight cancellations are up to $330 AUD. Name changes and refunds are not permitted. All fees are subject to change. Flights between Australia and Los Angeles are operated by Virgin Australia International or Delta Air Lines. Fares may vary until ticketed due to currency fluctuations. Conditions and travel restrictions apply. Visit www.virginaustralia.com for full terms and conditions.

^ivFares quoted are departing Melbourne to Nadi. Fares are on sale from 12:01am AEST 29 January 2014 to 11:59pm AEST 31 January 2014 unless sold out prior, for travel from 1 August 2014 to 11 September 2014. All fares are subject to availability and may vary with the addition of local taxes and charges and are for Economy travel. Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares are one way on the internet, or $35 more when booked by phone. Fares are correct as at 29 January 2014. A Booking and Service fee of $10 per person per booking is applicable for all short haul international flights when paid by credit card, debit card or PayPal. Fare price is based on a Saver Fare. Checked baggage allowance is included on Saver or Flexi fares or purchase excess baggage at the airport for $80 for the first piece. For more information please see the Baggage Details page on our website. Change/cancel fees apply. The applicable change or cancel fee will be the fee published on our website on the date you request the change. The Fare difference is payable on changes made within fare rules. Flight cancellations are $120. Name changes and refunds are not permitted. All fees are subject to change. Conditions apply. Visit www.virginaustralia.com for full terms and conditions.

^vDeparting Sydney to Auckland. Fares are on sale from 12:01am AEST 29 January 2014 to 11:59pm AEST 31 January 2014 unless sold out prior, for travel from 1 August 2014 to 24 September 2014 and 8 October 2014 to 30 November 2014. All fares are subject to availability and may vary with the addition of local taxes and charges and are for Economy travel. Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares advertised on the internet cost $35 more when booked by phone. Fares are correct as at 29 January 2014. A Booking and Service fee of $10 per person per booking is applicable for all short haul international flights when paid by credit card, debit card or PayPal. Fare price is based on a Saver Lite Fare. Checked baggage allowance is not included in Saver Lite fares. If checked baggage allowance is required customers can purchase a baggage inclusive fare (Saver or Flexi fares), pre-purchase a checked baggage allowance online for $55 for the first piece or purchase excess baggage at the airport for $80 for the first piece. For more information please see the Baggage Details page on our website. Change/cancel fees apply. The applicable change or cancel fee will be the fee published on our website on the date you request the change. The Fare difference is payable on changes made within fare rules. Flight cancellations are $120. Name changes and refunds are not permitted. All fees are subject to change. Conditions apply. International flights between Australia and New Zealand operated by Air New Zealand or Virgin Australia NZ. Visit www.virginaustralia.com for full terms and conditions.