Flying High Together for 20 Years

Tue, 06 Aug 2024

Ballina Byron Gateway Celebrates 20 Years of Partnership with Virgin Australia

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is thrilled to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of its partnership with airline partner Virgin Australia, marking a significant milestone in regional aviation history and for the Northern Rivers NSW region.

Known back in 2004 as Virgin Blue, the airline launched its first flight into Ballina-Byron on 5th of August leading to a wonderful partnership that has flourished over two decades.

Virgin Australia has been instrumental in transforming the popular Ballina-Sydney route, now proudly standing as the 8th busiest intrastate route in Australia. The airline's commitment to this route is evidenced by the operation of 175,000 seats in the financial year 2024 alone, reflecting continued demand and consistent growth.

Over the past 20 years, Virgin Australia has carried close to 2 million passengers through Ballina Byron Gateway Airport. This remarkable achievement underscores the airline's dedication to enhancing regional connectivity and providing exceptional service to its passengers.

Julie Stewart, Airport Manager of Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, commented, "We are incredibly proud of our long-standing partnership with Virgin Australia. Over the past two decades, we have worked together to provide seamless travel experiences and foster economic growth in the region. We look forward to continuing this successful collaboration for many more years to come."

The partnership has evolved beyond its flight services with one of Virgin Australia's 737-800 aircraft, proudly named "Ballina Beach" and the famous signature Ballina Burgers made fresh by the airport’s café are well loved by flight crew with pilots pre-ordering before arrival so they can enjoy before take-off back to Sydney.

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport and Virgin Australia look forward to continuing its long and successful partnership in the future.