Brett Godfrey, the-then chief executive of Virgin Blue, said in 2006 that the decision "was a long considered one and has worked well."

The airline still controls 60 percent of the Australian market despite challenges from recent arrivals like Virgin Blue.

On 25 June 2007, Virgin Blue released the 8 finalists of the naming competition.

That move and the emergence of Virgin Blue touched off a fare war that marked some one-way tickets down to just $17.

The American venture is expected to pattern its operations after Virgin Blue.

At its inception in 2000, Virgin Blue did not have interline or marketing alliances with other airlines.

Since its inception, Virgin Blue had sponsored many sporting teams in a bid to promote its brand.

In 2009, Virgin Blue introduced an all new advertising campaign entitled "Now there's an idea".

In May 2006 a controversy arose over Virgin Blue's policy with regard to passengers with disabilities.

A spokeswoman for Virgin Blue defended the decision.