For the first time in its history, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) has topped a global list of regional airline operators to take out 2024 Best Regional Airline in the Airline Excellence Awards, presented annually by leading aviation ratings website, AirlineRatings.com.

The awards are judged by five editors with over 180 years’ industry experience, bringing together major safety and government audits with 12 key criteria that includes fleet age, safety rating, passenger reviews, profitability, product offerings, and staff relations.

This month, VARA commenced a process of consultation on its intention to acquire at least four new generation aircraft to replace its aging F100 fleet, which if acquired would introduce new aircraft to the WA 100-seat charter market.

The potential replacement aircraft types would provide superior performance compared to the F100, lower fuel consumption and emissions through the employment of geared turbofan engines, enhanced customer product and improved operational performance.

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

The regional airline holds the highest seven-star safety rating with AirlineRatings.com, which delivers expert safety ratings for airlines around the world.