SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 19, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Virgin America, the California-based airline, today announced the launch of Gogo(r) Inflight Internet, via the first air-to-ground video stream during YouTube Live -- YouTube's first official real-world user event on Nov. 22. The carrier's first Wi-Fi enabled plane will circle the skies above San Francisco during the event and a segment of the YouTube live show will be streamed from 35,000 feet to an audience on the ground and on-line.
"Virgin America is harnessing the best in technology and design to reinvent flying, by giving our guests A-list amenities and more control -- with features like the unrivaled content platform on our touch-screen Red system, seat-to-seat chat, and power outlets at every seat," said Virgin America Vice President of Marketing Porter Gale. "YouTube has revolutionized the way people connect, inspire and entertain and YouTube Live offers the perfect opportunity to launch a whole new platform for communicating -- our inflight Wi-Fi service."
The YouTube Live event flight will serve as the beta launch of the Gogo(r) Inflight Internet service on Virgin America. Launching with one Wi-Fi enabled aircraft available to guests from Nov. 24 on, the airline will be the first U.S. carrier to offer inflight internet fleet-wide by the second quarter of 2009.
The beta flight will feature a Wi-Fi lounge outfitted with HP ultra-portable notebooks. As the exclusive PC vendor for the carrier's beta Wi-Fi flight, HP will provide a selection of lightweight, powerful and fashion-forward notebooks to keep users connected from air to ground. Flight guests will score customized Skullcandy headsets and Blue Microphone's Snowflake, the world's first portable USB mic. In addition to YouTube stars, 30 Rock's Keith Powell will be part of the show and film a segment inflight for his web mini-series with co-star Katrina Bowden. After the flight, guests will be whisked to the YouTube Live event in progress at Fort Mason.
Some of YouTube's highest-viewed stars have been flying to the event from all over the U.S. on the upscale, tech-savvy carrier and filming self-directed videos en route. The videos, posted to Virgin America's YouTube channel, have already received over one million views. Highlights include William Sledd greeting guests in his own inimitable fashion, Tay Zonday selling First Class, and free-running artist SF Parkour's mad rush to the gates. The videos will also premiere on the carrier's Red Inflight Entertainment system on the Nov. 22 flight.
"Virgin America and YouTube are both progressive brands known for forward thinking and innovation," said Chris Di Cesare, YouTube's Head of Marketing. "Wi-Fi at 35,000 feet will be game changing for the YouTube community, and we're proud to be a part of Virgin America's kick-off of the service during YouTube Live.
YouTube Live kicks off at 5:00pm PST on Nov. 22. Virgin America flies 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 JFK to LAS.
EDITORS NOTE: Virgin America is a U.S.-controlled and operated airline and an entirely separate company from Virgin Atlantic. Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group is a minority share investor in Virgin America.
About Virgin America: Launched in August 2007, Virgin America 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 International Terminal. The airline's new Airbus A320-family aircraft offer interactive inflight entertainment systems and power outlets for electronic gear. In 2008, Virgin America was named "Best Domestic Airline in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards and "Best Domestic Airline" in Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards. To learn more about Virgin America, visit: www.virginamerica.com. To check out the carrier's YouTube channel, visit: www.youtube.com/virginamerica
The Virgin America logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2371
About YouTube Live: YouTube Live is part concert, part variety show and part party, and will bring together some of the amazing videos and unforgettable individuals that have contributed towards making YouTube what it is today. The Nov. 22 event will feature Internet-born stars like Soulja Boy Tell'em, Esmee Denters, and 'Canon Rock' virtuoso Funtwo, as well as Internet-savvy mainstream starts like Will. I. Am and Akon. YouTube Live will be Executive Produced by former MTV veteran Salli Frattini.
About Gogo: Gogo(r), powered by Aircell, turns a commercial airplane into a Wi-Fi hotspot with true inflight Internet access. Passengers with Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones and PDAs, can surf the Web, check any e-mail, Instant Message, access a corporate VPN and more. For more information about Gogo, please visit www.gogoinflight.com. (c) 2008 Aircell LLC. Gogo is a trademark of Aircell or its affiliates.
About HP: HP will serve as the exclusive PC vendor for Virgin America's beta internet flight and will assist the air-to-ground YouTube Live broadcast via HP notebooks. The company's portfolio of ultra-portable notebooks will be available for guests who want a lightweight, powerful and fashionable notebook that keeps them connected on-the-go. Whether a frequent business traveler, weekend island hopper or entertainment gamer, HP offers customers a variety of personal notebook choices that include high-performance, global connectivity options for Wi-Fi or Gobi technology, durable exteriors and overall sleek designs. The HP ultra-portable notebooks featured onboard will include: the travel warrior's HP EliteBook 2530p, miniature companion HP Mini 2133, multi-media HP Pavilion dv3500, and the luxurious Voodoo Envy 133.
About Blue Microphones: Blue Microphones designs and produces an extensive line of award-winning microphones and recording tools for audio professionals, musicians and consumers. Founded in 1995, and headquartered in Southern California, Blue continues a lengthy tradition of innovative, cutting-edge design and astounding performance, with a range of inspiring recording tools for most any application. From Blue's flagship recording tool, the Bottle, to our stylish Snowflake USB mic, or our new Mikey iPod Recorder, Blue has just the tool to capture your creativity. Check out the complete range of Blue products at www.bluemic.com
About Skullcandy: Skullcandy designs headphones, mp3 player watches, audio accessories and other audio-enabled lifestyle products, such as backpacks with built-in speakers and iPod controls. Skullcandy also collaborates with select brands to integrate its audio technology into products from snow helmets to outerwear, apparel, packs and bags. Skullcandy gear is sold worldwide through top retailers and specialty outlets. Learn more online at www.skullcandy.com. Skullcandy is based in Park City, Utah.