Australian airline Virgin Australia has launched its first co-branded aircraft livery in nearly a decade, teaming up with Disney and Pixar to roll out a one-of-a-kind Toy Story 5 themed Boeing 737-800 that will traverse the country’s domestic network ahead of the animated sequel’s theatrical premiere on June 18. The airline officially revealed the custom-painted plane on Monday, which features beloved franchise characters Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear across its entire exterior, kicking off a months-long cross-platform marketing campaign that brings the Toy Story magic to every step of the passenger travel journey.
This large-scale collaboration marks a celebratory milestone for the Toy Story franchise, which first captured audiences’ hearts more than 30 years ago. The custom aircraft is projected to be seen by hundreds of thousands of travelers, including international visitors exploring Australia, turning the plane itself into a flying billboard for the upcoming film. Beyond the eye-catching exterior livery, the partnership includes a full slate of themed activations rolling out across airport terminals, Virgin Australia lounges, and onboard domestic flights through mid-July.
Starting June 1, young passengers traveling with the airline will receive complimentary Toy Story 5-branded giveaways, including custom coloring activity packs. The airline’s inflight entertainment system will also add the entire existing Toy Story film collection to its library, alongside more than 60 other popular Disney movies for travelers to enjoy during their journey. Between June 15 and July 19, domestic passengers will be able to participate in a branded inflight game, with one grand prize winner receiving a Pixar-themed trip to Tokyo for up to four people.
One of the most charming additions to the campaign is Virgin Australia’s new “Toy Tickets” initiative, which lets children request personalized, official-looking boarding passes for the teddy bears and soft toys that accompany them on their trips. The concept for this unique offering was inspired by a real customer incident: a young child who accidentally left their beloved teddy bear on a Virgin Australia flight, and was reunited with the toy after the airline helped track it down.
Exclusive perks are also being offered to top loyalty program members: selected Velocity Frequent Flyer Platinum Plus members across Australia will receive access to special private screenings of Toy Story 5 ahead of its wide release.
Libby Minogue, Virgin Australia’s chief marketing and customer operations officer, explained that the partnership was designed to weave the beloved film franchise into the entire travel experience, creating memorable moments for guests of all ages. “Toy Story has always been about more than just characters, it’s the nostalgia and joy it holds for so many people,” Minogue said. “Through our partnership with The Walt Disney Company Australia, we’re bringing the magic into the travel experience, creating moments of surprise and delight for our guests in a way that is distinctly Virgin Australia.”
Minogue added that the collaboration aligns with the airline’s ongoing goal of reimagining air travel for modern passengers, while delivering enhanced value to its loyalty program members: “We are always looking for new ways to bring wonderful to flying and this partnership with Disney is the start of something magical and allows us to reimagine the travel experience in new and engaging ways, while delivering greater value for our Velocity Frequent Flyer members.”
Kylie Watson-Wheeler, senior vice-president and managing director of The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand, echoed that excitement, noting that the collaboration lets fans of all generations celebrate the launch of the new sequel. “We’re thrilled to see Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 take flight with Virgin Australia in this special celebration of the film,” Watson-Wheeler said. “Our iconic Toy Story characters and story have a special place in the hearts of generations. We can’t wait to see all the magical ways this collaboration brings joy to Virgin Australia customers.”