Virgin Blue took off on 31 August 2000 with two aircraft, one route and 200 team members who shared a clear goal to revolutionise air travel in Australia.
Not only did the airline halve the cost of airfares, it also re-introduced genuine Guest service to the flying public along with a strong commitment to being the best in the business.
Since its launch Virgin Blue has evolved from a start-up entrepreneurial business to become Australia's leading major airline for service, on-time performance and value for money, as well as being one of the world's most profitable airline Groups incorporating Virgin Blue, Pacific Blue (Aust), Pacific Blue (NZ), Polynesian Blue and V Australia.
In January 2004, the airline launched Pacific Blue, its New Zealand based leisure focussed international airline which offers flights between Australia, New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu.
In October 2005, Virgin Blue joined with the Government of Samoa to launch ‘Polynesian Blue', an innovative joint venture airline that provides essential and affordable air services between Samoa, New Zealand and Australia.
In March 2007, Virgin Blue launched the world's first government-endorsed Greenhouse Friendly carbon off-set program, where Guests can affordably offset carbon emissions from their flights. The airline has also committed to offsetting the flights of the entire Virgin Blue workforce when flying for duty or business, which equates to approximately $500,000 per year over five years.