BURLINGAME, Calif., March 29, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Virgin America, a new U.S. start-up airline, has selected Empire Aero Center of Rome, N.Y., to install the airline's state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system (IFE) on their Airbus A320 family aircraft. The airline has firm orders for 33 new Airbus aircraft and has taken delivery of 11, six of which are being housed currently at the Empire facility.
"As we met with various companies in our search for an IFE installation partner, it's safe to say all roads did indeed lead to Rome," said Virgin America CEO Fred Reid. "At Empire, we've found the right team and the right expertise to meet all our needs. New York City will be our first destination served from San Francisco, pending final certification, so we're pleased to be supporting the New York State economy."
"Virgin America is exactly the type of partner airline we are striving to support: excellent management track record, growth oriented business model, and open communications as we work to build something together," said Empire President Brian Olsen. "We couldn't be more excited to have them in upstate New York."
New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton was instrumental in bringing Virgin America's business to Empire Aero. Virgin America's business will help support the hundreds of highly skilled jobs at the upstate facility.
"I am delighted that Virgin America has chosen the Empire Aero Center in Rome to install their in-flight entertainment system on their A320 fleet. This is another very positive acknowledgement of Empire Aero's ability to provide cutting edge technology and a highly skilled workforce to any business. I am very pleased that they will be partnering with Virgin America and I hope this is a good sign of things to come," said Senator Clinton who welcomed the announcement.
About Virgin America:
Virgin America plans to launch domestic U.S. scheduled airline service this summer utilizing new Airbus A320 family aircraft. The company has announced firm orders for 33 new Airbus aircraft including 18 aircraft purchased from Airbus and 15 aircraft leased from General Electric Capital Aviation Services. Virgin America's principal base of operations will be San Francisco International Airport. To learn more about Virgin America, or to learn more about joining our team, visit www.virginamerica.com.
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