A big part of the brand's identity, and one of the most visible, is the colour scheme of the airline's fleet. Having unveiled the new Virgin Australia colour scheme over three and a half years ago, the airline has this week sent its last red aircraft with its original Virgin Blue tittles to the paint shop.
Townsville-based company, Flying Colours, repainted 23 of the aircraft in a process which takes 11 days, 1,200 man hours, 18 painters and 260 litres of paint for each aircraft.
The Boeing 737-800, originally named after Ocean Grove Beach in regional Victoria, is the last of 56 aircraft to be repainted. Other changes from the program now complete include new lounges, premium airport entries, strategic alliance partnerships, new business class cabin, new uniforms and the award winning Velocity Frequent Flyer program.
There have been several aircraft colour schemes since its launch on 31 August 2000 with the company's first flight DJ214 between Brisbane and Sydney on 31 August of same year.
Here we take a look back at some of the decals that have graced our skies and a time lapse video of the last Virgin Blue aircraft being repainted.
The Virgin Blue launch flight on 31 August 2000 was between Brisbane and Sydney operating as DJ214.
Special liveries were launched throughout the years with select sponsorship's. This aircraft sported the Gillette M4Power razor launch.
Affectionately known as Suzi Q due to her registration, VH-CZQ, this ex Ansett 'albino' 737-300 aircraft was used while awaiting new aircraft delivery.
To celebrate delivery of the 50th aircraft, a light blue 737-700 sported a special colour scheme which included the names of every employee from the beginning of operations etched into the overhead bins.
To help launch the new partnership with AFL, an aircraft was dedicated to the organisations colours and logo.
When the Gold Coast Suns formed, this special livery took to the skies.
Launch of the new rebrand coincided with the launch of the airlines new A330 aircraft for coast-to-coast service.
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