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Virgin America Airlines Makes Its DebutPOSTED August 8, 2007 BURLINGAME -- Virgin America, the newest U.S. start-up airline, will launch inaugural flights from New York Kennedy and Los Angeles International airports to its home base at San Francisco International Airport. San Francisco-based Virgin America is a next generation low-fare carrier, with a host of features and services aimed at bringing a little fun back to flying -- including mood-lit cabins; one of the most advanced in-flight entertainment system in the skies with on-demand movies and TV, games, music and online chat rooms; custom-designed leather seats; and a First Class cabin with massage chairs and 55 inches of seat pitch. Effective today, Virgin America will have two daily flights
between San Francisco and New York, and five daily flights between
San Francisco and Los Angeles International. A third San Francisco-New
York flight will be added on August 19 and a fourth on September
9. On August 29, Virgin America will commence service between
New York and Los Angeles with two daily flights, adding a third
on September 16. Twice daily service between San Francisco and
Washington Dulles International Airport will commence on September
26; between San Francisco and Las Vegas on October 10 with three
daily flights; and between Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. on
October 24 with two daily flights. All flights are non-stop,
however connections are available beginning October 10 between
Las Vegas and both New York and Washington, D.C. "We are so happy to celebrate our launch day with friends, supporters and our first guests," said Virgin America CEO, Fred Reid. "We've worked very hard to get here, and we hope the American flying public will like what we have to offer." "I'm absolutely thrilled to take part in Virgin America's inaugural flight," said Sir Richard Branson. "I commend Fred Reid and his team for building a different kind of U.S. airline. With its low fares and brilliant innovative features, Virgin America is sure to usher in a new era of domestic travel for U.S. consumers." In Los Angeles, Virgin America leadership, investors and in-flight entertainment partners will christen the new plane California Dreaming, then join celebrities and guests to "walk the red carpet" for Virgin America's LAX premier. The send-off reception and flight to San Francisco will feature entertainment by celebrity DJ Samantha Ronson. In addition to the VIP and celebs on the launch flights, four high bidders will take seats with proceeds from their ticket sales going to the San Francisco-based charity Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP). KIPP operates a network of free, open-enrollment, college-prep public schools that serve underserved communities throughout the nation. The flights are scheduled to make a simultaneous landing at San Francisco International Airport, where both aircraft will be greeted by arching spray from water cannons. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will welcome guests from the flights, and lead a press conference with Reid, Branson and SFO Airport Director John Martin. "San Francisco is proud to have Virgin America as its home-town airline," said Mayor Newsom. "This new airline means new jobs, new business revenues and new choices for passengers. Everybody wins, and we salute Virgin America."
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