BURLINGAME, Calif., July 17, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Virgin America, a next generation low-fare airline that plans to start domestic service in August, today announced that it will offer Google Maps(tm) on Red(tm), Virgin America's Inflight Entertainment system (IFE). Custom-developed by Virgin America and Google, the maps will provide guests with fully-interactive, individually-controlled moving Google Maps(tm) at every seatback.
"This partnership marries Google's thorough, well-designed map images with our interactive in-seat Red(tm) System software," said Charles Ogilvie, Virgin America's Director of Inflight Entertainment & Partnerships. "Together, we'll be able provide a fully interactive mapping experience for passengers at every seat and on every flight."
With Google Maps(tm) on Red(tm), Virgin America's guests will be able to locate where they are, how far they are from their destination and how much time is remaining in the flight, in addition to being able to pan and zoom at eight different levels. Guests will be able to plan their travels by entering Red's custom-designed "Journey" section, either through a navigational toolbar on their touch-screen seatback monitor or by touching a button located within arm's reach.
"Google is pleased to be part of Virgin America's efforts to innovate in the airborne world," said John Hanke, Director of Google Maps(tm) and Earth. "We're excited to both grow this relationship and see Google Maps(tm) find their way to 35,000 ft."
In addition to the inflight airborne mapping product, the airline industry's leading onboard entertainment system, Red(tm), will offer its customers 'pay-per-view' movies, live TV via satellite, a wide array of audio entertainment and electronic games and even the ability to compile individual music playlists, chat with other passengers and order meals on-demand.
About Virgin America:
As San Francisco's hometown airline, Virgin America is a next generation low-fare carrier that 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 a host of inventive guest features aimed at bringing a little fun back to flying -- including the most advanced personal in-flight entertainment system in the domestic airline market, mood-lit cabins, custom-designed leather seats and plugs for laptops and other portable electronic devices at every seat. To learn more about Virgin America visit: www.virginamerica.com.
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