| Virgin America |
Article Index for Virgin |
Website Links For Virgin |
Information AboutVirgin America |
Virgin America is a new low-fare Airline that is anticipated to begin operations in 2006 . Virgin America's hub will be located at , 2006 . Virgin America, although the brainchild of entrepreneur and British citizen Richard Branson ( Virgin Group ), will be a U.S. owned and operated airline. U.S. law requires that U.S. airlines are majority owned by U.S. citizens. VAI Partners LLC will own 75% of the capital stock and will appoint two-thirds of the voting members of the board of directors. Carty will also own a portion of VAI. The new airline is expected to compete with JetBlue Airways , Alaska Airlines and United Airlines , and to some extent with fellow Low-cost Carrier Southwest Airlines that serves nearby Oakland and San Jose airports. It also expects to implement a frequent-flyer program. The airline is a separate carrier from Virgin Atlantic Airways and as such it is under no obligation to work with Virgin Atlantic , Virgin Blue , Virgin Express , or Virgin Nigeria , all Virgin Group airlines. HISTORY In early 2004, '', June 5 , 2004 . At the time Virgin USA expected to be flying by mid-2005. On '', April 9 , 2005 . On '', December 9 , 2005 . The airline expects to begin flying mid to late 2006 pending federal approval. On January 19 , 2006 Virgin America filed its safety and maintenance plan application with Federal Aviation Administration. CONTROVERSY The airline has come under fire from existing American air carriers, who have challenged the airline's claim to be American-controlled. Several have asked the FAA to reject Virgin America's application for an operating certificate on this basis. FLEET The company has announced that its fleet will consist of 33 Airbus A319 and A320-219 airliners (18 purchased, 15 leased) that will bear the Virgin logo.filler Virgin America received their first A320 on February 24 , 2006 . Because the airline is awaiting procedural evaluations, the aircraft will not yet enter passenger service. If/When Virgin America comes into service, their inflight experience will include: the largest seatback TVs of any U.S. airline, free television shows and a small selection of free games (customers will have to pay for movies and a larger selection of video games), an assortment of food (some of which will be free, others which customers must pay for), at least 32 inches of legroom, and seats 1.5 inches thick manufactured by Recaro .filler EXTERNAL LINKS REFERENCES |