Virgin Australia Regional Airlines named 2024 best regional airline in Airline Excellence Awards

An Aussie airline has taken out a prestigious award, beating out hundreds of other airline carriers from around the world.

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines has been named as the best regional airline, beating out hundreds of other airline carriers from around the world.

The 2024 Airline Excellence Awards, presented annually by aviation ratings website AirlineRatings.com, gave the Aussie airline the top gong for its outstanding service and innovation.

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines named as the best regional airline. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

VARA, formerly Skywest, joined Virgin Australia Group in 2013 and now employs more 450 team members, operating more than 250 services on the F100 and A320 aircraft each week.

VARA executive general manager Nathan Miller said he was delighted to see VARA recognised for an award that takes into consideration regional airlines globally.

“VARA has been a proud fixture in the Western Australian landscape for over six decades, playing an important role in connecting communities across our vast state,” Mr Miller said.

VARA Executive GM Nathan Miller and AirlineRatings.com CEO Geoffrey Thomas following the 2024 awards. Picture: Supplied

“Being awarded Regional Airline of the Year is an honour that underscores our commitment to exceptional customer service which is delivered by our incredible team each and every day.

“This award follows a number of exciting milestones for VARA as we continue to diversify our charter portfolio and expand our reach in Western Australia.”

The awards are judged by assessing 12 key criteria that includes fleet age, safety rating, passenger reviews, profitability, product offerings, and staff relations.

AirlineRatings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas said it was exciting to see how far VARA had excelled in the regional airline space since joining Virgin Australia.

“VARA is an outstanding operation and brings the safety and product of Virgin Australia to the most remote corner of Western Australia and has been doing so for over 60 years,” Mr Thomas said.

“At every touchpoint, it is a class operation and there is innovation – driven by isolation – everywhere.”