Flight VA53 departed Brisbane at 11:36am on 31 March using a Boeing 737-800, touching down at Port Vila at 2:59pm. Virgin is planning to operate up to five direct services between Brisbane and Port Vila per week during the peak season, and three in the off-peak.

The business will cease operations “for the feasible future” after failing to secure a rescue deal. It follows its botched launch in the UK earlier this year.

Last year’s April getaway saw the all-time record for delays being broken as the industry buckled under the weight of airlines racing back to pre-COVID passenger numbers but with far fewer staff.

Bonza’s 737 MAX 8 aircraft VH-UIK, nicknamed “Bazza”, touched down at Sunshine Coast Airport as flight AB1023 at 11:07am local time this morning, having departed Melbourne Tullamarine at 10:01am. Bonza is planning to operate two aircraft from Melbourne flying nine routes, seven of which are unique to the low-cost carrier.