Virgin Australia has cleared Buzz, Woody and Jessie for take-off, unveiling a Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5-themed Boeing 737-800 as its first co-branded livery in almost a decade.
The aircraft has been revealed ahead of Toy Story 5 opening in cinemas on 18 June 2026, with the custom-designed livery set to fly across Virgin Australia’s domestic network over the coming months.
The aircraft design features some of the franchise’s most recognisable characters and forms part of a broader Virgin Australia campaign bringing Toy Story 5 into airports, lounges and onboard flights.
More than 30 years after audiences first met Woody and Buzz Lightyear, the partnership gives the long-running Pixar franchise a very literal runway moment.
Toys in the cabin, toys at check-in
From 1 June 2026, Virgin Australia travellers will be able to access Toy Story 5-themed surprise giveaways onboard, including complimentary Toy Story-themed colouring packs for children.
The airline will also make the Toy Story series available through its complimentary inflight entertainment, alongside more than 60 Disney movie classics.
From 15 June to 19 July 2026, a new inflight Toy Story 5 game will be available on all Virgin Australia domestic flights. Guests who take part can enter a competition to win a Pixar-themed experience in Tokyo for themselves and up to three friends or family members, subject to terms and conditions.
On the ground, Virgin Australia is introducing Toy Tickets, an Australian airline-first that allows children to request a personalised boarding pass at check-in for their teddy or cuddly travel companion.
The idea was sparked by the reunion of a young traveller and his toy teddy, which had been lost on a Virgin Australia flight. Excellent crisis management from the bear, frankly.
Toy Story 5 experiences will also roll out across select airport terminals and Virgin Australia Lounges. Velocity Frequent Flyer Platinum Plus members will be among the first to experience the campaign, with special Toy Story 5 screenings planned in key locations across Australia.
Virgin goes full Pixar
Virgin Australia Chief Marketing and Customer Operations Officer Libby Minogue said the partnership brings one of the world’s most recognisable film franchises into the airline’s customer journey.
“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.”
“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.”
The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand Senior Vice President and Managing Director Kylie Watson-Wheeler said the collaboration celebrates the upcoming film and the franchise’s long-running connection with audiences.
“We’re thrilled to see Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 take flight with Virgin Australia in this special celebration of the film. 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,” Watson-Wheeler said.
The campaign is the latest sign that airlines are looking well beyond the seat and schedule when it comes to family travel, particularly during high-volume leisure periods.
For children, it is a plane with Buzz on the side and a boarding pass for their bear.
For parents, it is possibly 12 minutes of peace at 38,000 feet.
For everyone else, it is a reminder that no matter how grown-up air travel gets, there is still room in the overhead locker for a little chaos, colour and animated cowboy energy.
The Toy Story treatment also comes during a busy run for Virgin Australia’s leisure ambitions. The airline recently rebooted Virgin Australia Holidays with a Bali-first package holiday push, giving families another reason to think beyond the fare and start bundling the whole trip.
