ADVISORY, Aug. 28, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Virgin America and HBO take the hit series Entourage to the skies on Sept. 4, 2008 with the inaugural flight of "Entourage Air." Virgin America's inaugural flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) will launch just in time to celebrate Season 5 of Entourage.
The partners will unveil "Entourage Air," a customized Airbus A320, with a VIP send-off event from a special hangar at JFK, complete with a Dom Perignon Bar and Entourage-themed treats from Godiva. Members of the media are invited to join Virgin Group Founder and Chairman Sir Richard Branson and members of the Entourage cast at the JFK hangar send-off party. The inaugural flight will depart from the hangar and feature an exclusive in-flight sneak peek of Entourage Season 5.
Media and special guests on the party flight to Vegas will experience "Entourage Class" service, including limited-edition Entourage amenities that complement Virgin America's signature upscale design. Virgin America's brand new planes feature moodlighting, custom-designed leather seats, and individual touch-screen entertainment systems with movies, videogames and now for the first time -- episodes of Entourage offered free of charge during the initial month of the partnership. Members of the media also are invited to join guests at a reception upon landing in Las Vegas, to be hosted by the N9NE Group in the Playboy Club at the Palms Casino Resort.
NOTE: Accredited media only. You must RSVP in advance for both the flight and the send-off. No exceptions. Please arrive by 1:30pm for media check-in and set up at red carpet.
WHEN: Sept. 4, 2008 - 1:30pm
WHERE: Hangar 12, JFK International Airport (not from main
terminal, this is a private charter departure) -
Jamaica, NY 11430
VISUALS:
* Commercial passenger jet custom named "Entourage Air" in
football-field sized hangar at JFK
* Red carpet leading to aircraft with Sir Richard Branson,
Entourage cast
* Sir Richard Branson and Entourage cast christen aircraft
* Sir Richard Branson and Entourage cast greet guests boarding
"Entourage Air" for premiere flight
* In-flight: Party flight to Vegas, under mood-lit, tricked out
cabin interior, in-flight premiere of Season 5
MEDIA AVAILABILITY:
* Virgin Group Founder and Chairman Sir Richard Branson
* Virgin America CEO and President David Cush
* Members of the Entourage cast, for photos and limited interviews
* HBO leadership on new Season and cross-promotion with Virgin
* Virgin America high-earning frequent fliers (Elevate members)
on the flight
Virgin America currently flies to seven cities with 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, non-stop 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 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
The Virgin America logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2371
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.