Virgin America Airline Wins Travel Accolades
Published May 27, 2009
Launching a new airline while others were barely staying aloft had some pundits scratching their heads, but Virgin America pulled it off.
Sir Richard Branson and a group of U.S. investors founded the privately owned, Burlingame-based airline in 2007. Like Branson’s other carriers, Virgin Atlantic and V Australia, Virgin America is famous for its onboard amenities such as mood lighting, leather seats, power outlets and video touch screens – and for reasonable fares. The flying public has noticed, as Virgin’s flights to and from its hub at San Francisco International Airport are filling up nicely, according to the company.
“We’ve been welcomed with open arms,” says Abby Lunardini, director of corporate communications. “San Francisco has supported us from day one, and the region’s support in our very early days helped actually get the airline off the ground. Our sales have beaten our expectations, with strong load factors north of 80 percent and maturing routes. We’re very pleased with our progress.”
The airline has gotten some industry accolades as well, including Best Domestic Airline in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2008 Readers’ Choice Awards and recognition in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards.
The airline is actively seeking new destinations, as well as looking at additional service on existing routes. In February 2008, Virgin America began San Francisco-Boston and Los Angeles-Boston daily service, Lunardini says, with Wi-Fi Internet connections available on board. In spring 2008, San Francisco-Orange County flights were added, and “we will continue to grow in 2010 and beyond,” she says.
Story by Joe Morris
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