BURLINGAME, Calif., July 11, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Virgin America today received approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to begin selling tickets in advance of their launch later this summer. The airline intends to begin service this August, with specific dates for tickets sales and first flights to be announced in the weeks ahead.
"My teammates and I thank the Department," said Virgin America CEO Fred Reid. "We're eager to bring this exciting new airline to the flying public. We've got an incredible team of people, brand-new planes with some fun, innovative features that we hope people will love. We can't wait to welcome our first guests when we start flying later this summer."
The DOT granted its oral approval today to permit the company to accept customer payments and to issue tickets for airline flights prior to receiving effective authority from the Department. On May 18, 2007, the DOT issued its Final Order finding Virgin America a U.S. citizen and fit, willing, and able to provide interstate scheduled air transportation. The company expects to receive its Effective Certificate shortly in time for an August launch.
In its request to DOT, Virgin America noted that the company is fully staffed, has taken delivery of 10 new Airbus 319/320 aircraft, and is ready to advertise, sell tickets and operate the airline. The airline successfully completed the Federal Aviation Administration's intensive formal safety evaluation in December.
San Francisco-based Virgin America is a next generation carrier, with airplanes that include innovative guest features aimed at bringing fun back to flying -- including the most advanced personal in-flight entertainment system in the domestic airline market, cabins with mood-lighting and custom-designed leather seats.
About Virgin America:
As San Francisco's hometown airline, Virgin America will serve as many as 10 cities within a year of operation, and up to 30 cities within five years. Virgin America's brand-new planes will offer guests interactive in-flight entertainment systems, plugs for laptops and other portable electronic devices, the ability to order food or chat with other guests from their own video-screen and a host of other features aimed at bringing a little fun back to flying. To learn more about Virgin America visit: www.virginamerica.com.
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