SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 25, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Virgin America today announced it is teaming up with HBO to launch the airline's new non-stop New York-Las Vegas flights and Season 5 of Entourage in high style with "Entourage Class" service on the new route, a star-studded in-flight sneak peek of Entourage Season 5, and HBO content fleetwide. On September 4, the partnership kicks off with the unveiling of the newest member of Virgin America's fleet -- a co-branded aircraft named "Entourage Air." The inaugural flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) will include an advance screening of the first episode from Season 5 of Entourage, premiering on HBO Sunday, September 7.
"With mood-lit cabins and the most advanced touch-screen entertainment system in the U.S., we are on a mission to reinvent travel and bring a little style and entertainment to the skies," said Vice President of Marketing for Virgin America Porter Gale. "HBO is known for redefining the genre and Entourage's hip, sexy vibe is a perfect match for our guests and for our new JFK to Las Vegas route in particular."
During the month of September, First Class guests on Virgin America's new non-stop JFK-LAS route will fly "Entourage Class"* and receive A-List perks like noise canceling headphones, champagne, Godiva chocolates, Kiehl's Since 1851 personal products, Altoids and "Entourage Air" blankets and eye masks. Beginning on September 5, Virgin America also will begin offering HBO's award-winning programming cabin-wide on every flight, including the hit series Entourage.
"We are excited to launch "Entourage Air" in partnership with Virgin America. Entourage appeals to the same savvy, sophisticated consumer that flies Virgin America," said Courteney Monroe, Executive Vice President of Consumer Marketing at HBO.
On September 4, members of the Entourage cast and Virgin Group Founder and Chairman Sir Richard Branson will host a swanky, star-studded send-off party from a private hangar in New York, where "Entourage Air" will take center stage. Guests will walk the red carpet to board "Entourage Air" for two memorable firsts: the first-ever in-flight premiere of a cable or broadcast program in the domestic skies and Virgin America's first non-stop flight from JFK to LAS. Palms Casino Resort will host an after-party for Entourage Air guests at the Playboy Club that evening in Las Vegas.
The unveiling of "Entourage Air" will serve as the kickoff of a larger licensing partnership between HBO and Virgin America, allowing the airline to offer premium HBO content on RED, its interactive, in-flight entertainment system from Sept. 5, 2008 - October 2009.
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, LAX to SEA, and starting Sept. 4, 2008, non-stop JFK to LAS.
About Virgin America: Launched in August 2007, Virgin America is a California-based airline that offers guests attractive fares and a host of innovative features aimed at reinventing air travel. 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 interactive in-flight entertainment systems and power outlets for laptops and other electronic gear. In July 2008, Virgin America was named "Best Domestic Airline" in Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards. 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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About HBO Entourage: From executive producers Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, Doug Ellin, Rob Weiss and Denis Biggs, HBO's award-winning, hit comedy series ENTOURAGE draws on the experiences of industry insiders, and stars Adrian Grenier as Vince, who is enjoying life in the limelight as a hot young actor; Kevin Connolly as Eric, Vince's manager, who tries to help him make the right choices; Kevin Dillon as Vince's half-brother Drama, whose own career has been eclipsed by Vince's success; Jerry Ferrara as Turtle, the least savvy of the group; and Golden Globe(r) and two-time Emmy(r) winner Jeremy Piven as Ari, who serves as Vince's aggressive, high-powered agent.
* Terms and Conditions: Must be a valid first class ticket holder on JFK - Vegas flight during the period of Sept. 1 - October 1, 2008 to receive partner products on Entourage Class. Virgin America and HBO reserve the right to discontinue the promotion on any flight, at any time. Headphones and blankets are samples only -- guests will be required to leave them on the plane.