Virgin Australia is bringing a little infinity – and beyond – to the skies.
Ahead of the release of Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 on June 18th, Virgin Australia has unveiled a brand-new themed Boeing 737-800 decked out with some of animation’s most beloved faces, including Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear. It’s the airline’s first co-branded aircraft livery in almost a decade, and it’s turning heads before it’s even taken off.
More than 30 years after audiences first met the cowboy and space ranger duo, the custom-painted aircraft taps directly into the nostalgia that has made Toy Story a generational phenomenon. The plane will fly across Virgin Australia’s domestic network over the coming months, transforming everyday travel into something a little more playful for families, Disney fans and anyone who grew up quoting Buzz Lightyear in the schoolyard.
But the collaboration stretches well beyond the aircraft itself. Virgin Australia is going all-in on the Toy Story experience, weaving the franchise throughout the entire journey – from airport terminals and lounges to inflight entertainment and onboard giveaways.
From June 1st, children travelling with Virgin Australia will receive complimentary Toy Story-themed colouring packs, while passengers can revisit the entire Toy Story saga alongside more than 60 Disney favourites through the airline’s inflight entertainment system. A new Toy Story 5 inflight game will also launch across domestic flights from June 15th to July 19th, giving travellers the chance to win a Pixar-themed Tokyo holiday for up to four people.
On the ground, Virgin Australia is also introducing “Toy Tickets” – an Australian airline-first initiative allowing kids to request personalised boarding passes for their favourite teddy bears and cuddly companions. The idea was inspired by a real-life reunion between a young traveller and a lost teddy left behind on a Virgin Australia flight, adding a surprisingly heartfelt touch to the campaign.
Special Toy Story 5 experiences are also set to pop up across select airport terminals and Virgin Australia lounges, with Velocity Frequent Flyer Platinum Plus members among the first invited to exclusive advance screenings around the country.
Virgin Australia Chief Marketing and Customer Operations Officer Libby Minogue said the partnership is about injecting a sense of fun and wonder back into travel.
“Toy Story has always been about more than just characters – it’s the nostalgia and joy it holds for so many people,” she said.
“Through our partnership with Disney, we’re bringing that magic into the travel experience in a way that feels uniquely Virgin Australia.”
Senior Vice President and Managing Director of The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand Kylie Watson-Wheeler added that the collaboration celebrates the enduring emotional connection audiences have with the franchise.
“Our iconic Toy Story characters and stories have a special place in the hearts of generations,” she said. “We can’t wait to see all the magical ways this partnership brings joy to Virgin Australia customers.”
Toy Story 5 is screening in Australian theatres from June 18th, 2026. To learn more about the Virgin Australia collaboration visit: www.virginaustralia.com/toystory5
