Airlines celebrate Sydney Pride
Airlines have marked the world's largest celebration of Pride in Sydney with special flights from the US
United Airlines has partnered with Virgin Australia to celebrate WorldPride. Flight 863 on February 22 left San Francisco to Sydney, crewed entirely by members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community.
Festivities kicked off with a celebration at the gate, continued with giveaways and activities onboard the flight and culminated with a welcome party upon arrival in Sydney. While Virgin Australia has offered special domestic flights in Australia for Pride since 2021, this was the first time United had taken part in the effort. United also made a US$25,000 donation to the Trevor Project to support their mission of helping LGBTQ young people.
"As a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community and the leading carrier from the US to Australia, United is thrilled to join the party and help people celebrate the upcoming Pride events in Sydney," said Lori Augustine, Vice President of Operations for United in San Francisco in a February 22 press release. "At United, we recognize, embrace and celebrate the differences that make our customers and employees unique. We're committed to creating an inclusive work environment while supporting the diverse communities we serve. Our Pride Flight is yet another example of how at United, Good Leads the Way."
"Virgin Australia launched our initial Pride Flight in the middle of the pandemic and fast forward to today, we have flights all over Australia, and our very first international Pride Flight from San Francisco with our wonderful partner, United Airlines," said Jayne Hrdlicka, CEO for Virgin Australia Group in the same statement. "It's so important that we use our voice to promote diversity and inclusion in the communities in which we live, work and fly. Our partnership with United Airlines is incredibly important and it's so wonderful to witness the collaboration between the airlines, and the joy we have brought our guests in spreading pride right across the Pacific and throughout Australia."
Qantas has marked WorldPride (February 17 — March 5) which is being hosted in Australia for the first time with a special Pride Flight from Los Angeles to Sydney.
Departing from Los Angeles on February 22 and landing in Sydney, the Pride Flight was hosted by Australian comedian Joel Creasey. Passengers received limited-edition Rainbow Roo pyjamas as well as general admission tickets to Pride’s opening concert, Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert on February 24, which featured Kylie Minogue, Charlie XCX and Jessica Mauboy.
Entertainment began in the Qantas Los Angeles First Lounge for all passengers, with Creasey easing guests into the festive mood. Onboard, passengers were treated to an exclusive menu created by acclaimed chef Neil Perry, along with a selection of movies and music curated just for the flight.
The 236-seat flight was operated by the Qantas Illuminate network, a community of Qantas LGTIBQIA+ staff (along with their co-worker allies). To honour the spirit of WorldPride, Qantas has also partnered with the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association to support the wider community travelling to Sydney during this time.
