SAN FRANCISCO, April 18, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Virgin America, the California-based carrier dedicated to making flying good again, today announced a partnership with SF Pride, the nation's largest LGBT event. As the "Official Airline of SF Pride," Virgin America will partner with the San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration Committee for the world-famous, one-of-a-kind SF Pride Parade and Celebration.
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"As San Francisco's hometown airline, we actually thought: how could we not be the official airline of SF Pride?" said Porter Gale, Vice President of Marketing at Virgin America. "SF Pride and the spirit that surrounds the celebration have literally defined the San Francisco community for more than 30 years, and we couldn't be more proud to be a part of this incredible tradition and support SF Pride's important work to educate and celebrate the LGBT community."
Virgin America is proud to partner with SF Pride for a memorable presence at the parade (complete with a contingent of Virgin America teammates), and to welcome on board those traveling from all over the country who will take part in the festivities. Special SF Pride guests will kick off their journey to the event in fabulous style on board Virgin America's planes, which feature nightclub-like moodlighting, custom-designed leather seats and the most advanced in-flight entertainment system in the U.S.
"SF Pride celebrates the diversity and depth of the San Francisco community," said Mikayla Connell, Board President of the LGBT Pride Celebration Committee. "We are thrilled to have Virgin America as our official domestic airline sponsor. Virgin America's commitment to make flying good again echoes SF Pride's commitment to produce an event that makes a difference."
This year marks the 38th Anniversary of SF Pride, which will be held on the weekend of June 28th and 29th, 2008. Guests flying to the event on Virgin America can check out the airline's unique, tech-savvy entertainment options via the Red(tm) video touch-screen at every seat. Red(tm) allows guests to order food or a cocktail, watch one of 25 movies or live TV (from Bravo to E!), play a videogame, create a playlist from 3,000 MP3s or even meet new friends via seat-to-seat chat.
"SF Pride is not only one of San Francisco's largest events, it is a powerful 'only in San Francisco' experience and tradition for both locals and visitors," said Joe D'Alessandro, President and Chief Executive Officer of the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We strongly support the on-going efforts of SF Pride and the tireless work they do for the LGBT community. We are very pleased that Virgin America, San Francisco's new locally-based airline, is SF Pride's official airline sponsor."
Virgin America currently flies to seven cities with daily flights from: SFO to LAX, SFO to JFK, SFO to SAN, SFO to IAD, SFO to LAS, SFO to SEA, LAX to JFK, LAX to IAD and LAX to SEA.
About San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration Committee (SFLGBTPCC):
The San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration Committee (www.sfpride.org) is a not-for-profit membership organization founded to produce the San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration & Parade. With its office located at the San Francisco LGBT Community Center, SFLGBTPCC is dedicated to education, commemoration of LGBT heritage and celebration of LGBT culture and liberation. A world leader in the Pride Movement, SFLGBTPCC is also a grant-giving organization through its Community Partners Program. Since 1997, SFLGBTPCC has granted over $1 million dollars from proceeds of the Pride Celebration and Parade to local not-for-profit LGBT organizations and those organizations serving the HIV/AIDS and breast cancer communities.
About San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration & Parade:
This year marks the 38th anniversary of the San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration and Parade. This year's theme is "Pride Not Prejudice" and the event will be held over the weekend of June 28 and 29, 2008. With over 200 parade contingents, 300 exhibitors, and 18 entertainment stages and venues, San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration and Parade is the largest LGBT event in the nation. For more information please visit our website at: www.sfpride.org
About Virgin America:
Virgin America is a brand new U.S. airline that will serve as many as 10 cities within a year of operation, and up to 30 cities within five years. Virgin America's base of operations is San Francisco International Airport's ultra-modern and convenient International Terminal. The airline's new Airbus A320-family aircraft offer guests interactive in-flight entertainment systems, power outlets for laptops and other electronics and a host of other innovative features aimed at making flying good again. In Zagat's 2007 Global Airlines Survey, the airline was ranked #1 among U.S. carriers for quality in First/Business Class and #2 in Main Cabin. To learn more: www.virginamerica.com
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Photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.
