BURLINGAME, Calif., Jan. 12, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- New U.S. start-up airline Virgin America today announced that EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) will be the airline's primary live in-flight satellite entertainment (IFE) partner. Pending government approval, the airline hopes to introduce domestic U.S. service in Spring 2007.
The agreement will provide Virgin America's guests with an array of EchoStar's DISH Network satellite TV programming to satisfy a wide range of entertainment tastes. In addition to live DISH Network satellite TV, the airline will offer customers 'pay-per-view' movies, a wide array of audio music entertainment including the ability to compile individual audio playlists, a broad selection of popular electronic games, and even meals on-demand.
"Once the Department of Transportation says we can fly, we'll be ready to offer our guests an incredible entertainment experience and DISH Network is a major component of that," said Charles Ogilvie, Virgin America's Director of Inflight Entertainment & Partnerships. "Our interactive entertainment system is more than just a channel line-up in which our guests will immerse themselves. We believe they'll find it to be an exciting, customer-friendly experience overall."
"We are delighted to be part of this innovative airborne entertainment offering," said Charlie Ergen, Chairman and CEO of EchoStar's DISH Network. "DISH Network is focused on securing and delivering exciting, timely and appealing content to Virgin America guests as well as our 13 million-plus subscribers throughout the United States."
Virgin America anticipates announcing additional IFE team members, content relationships and strategic partners in the near future.
About Virgin America:
Virgin America, a 'new generation' low-fare airline, intends to launch scheduled domestic airline service early in 2007 upon government approval. U.S.-owned and operated, Virgin America is based at San Francisco International Airport and has placed firm orders for 34 Airbus A320 aircraft. Aspiring candidates can visit www.virginamerica.com to learn more about joining the Virgin America team.
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About EchoStar Communications:
EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) serves more than 13 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM), and is a leading U.S. provider of advanced digital television services. DISH Network's services include hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. EchoStar has been a leader for more than 25 years in satellite TV equipment sales and support worldwide. EchoStar is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 500 company. Visit EchoStar's Web site at www.EchoStar.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).