BURLINGAME, Calif., Feb. 5, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- More than 25,000 consumers have signed a petition in support of Virgin America's application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and have sent more than 50,000 letters to the Department and Congress asking that the airline's application to fly be approved.
On January 17th, the airline made sweeping changes to its corporate and investor documents in order to demonstrate to DOT that it has been, and will continue to be, owned and controlled by U.S. citizens. In conjunction with this filing, the airline launched the website asking for the public's support.
"The flying public has recognized what's in the public interest," said Fred Reid, Virgin America's CEO. "More competition, lower fares and more choices for travelers are the issues at stake here. And we're seeing a groundswell of support that we are indeed American and fit to fly."
Virgin America recently unveiled its onboard cabin, including mood lighting and a digital inflight entertainment system providing on-demand moves and TV, games, music and online chat rooms - and even self-service mini-bars for snacks and beverages available throughout the flight. In first class, customers can experience massage chairs with 55 inches of seat pitch (legroom). But even with these innovations and luxuries, Virgin America will offer low fares.
Virgin America plans to serve up to 30 cities within five years of operation, pending government approval, and has confirmed its plans to serve San Francisco, New York City, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas as its first six cities.
Last week the airline announced 40 cities it is considering serving and asked consumers to vote on which cities should be served next. In just a few days since the poll was released, more than 2500 votes have been registered. Leading cities will be announced in the weeks to come.
The airline intends to create more than 1,000 new U.S. jobs in its first year and up to 5,000 within five years. In addition to this direct job creation, by its fifth year Virgin America will be responsible for indirectly creating approximately 50,000 new U.S. jobs in total.
About Virgin America:
Virgin America, a 'new generation' low-fare airline, intends to launch scheduled domestic airline service in 2007 upon government approval. U.S.-owned and operated, Virgin America is based at San Francisco International Airport. To learn more about getting Virgin America off the ground, visit www.letvafly.com.
The Virgin America logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2371