The 2007 Sydney event, Earth Hour, has escalated to a global movement, with Virgin Blue as the latest to pledge participation.

The scheduled Earth Hour challenge, where everyone is urged to switch off their lights for an hour, coincides with the Virgin Blue Charity Hangar Ball, on Saturday 29 March.

Possibly Australia's largest candlelight dinner will be attended by the hosts Sir Richard Branson, the Hon Anna Bligh, Queensland Premier, and Virgin Blue co-founder and CEO, Brett Godfrey, as well as over 3000 guests and 500 staff.

Virgin Blue's support of what Earth Hour organisers consider 'the greatest challenge our planet has ever faced' will be echoed internationally, as millions of people across the globe will switch off their lights.

The partnership of the travel industry and environmental awareness continues, as the Charity Hangar Ball is carbon neutral.

Brett Godfrey, Virgin Blue Chief Executive, reaffirmed that 'We are a participating company and it is a unique opportunity to underline the meaning of Earth Hour in a very meaningful way."

The ball is to continue throughout Earth Hour, and hence Godfrey admitted, "The decision was easy, but not so the logistical challenge."

Yet, Virgin is dedicated to the cause, as he continued: "Funds raised from our Hangar Ball go to many worthwhile causes and in 2008 our support is pledged to projects nominated by our team members under the theme of 'Indigenous Peoples, Natural Environment'"