Virgin America Delays Start of Service to Orlando

SAN FRANCISCO, May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Virgin America today announces it will postpone its start of service to Orlando International Airport (MCO) due to delays in the airline's aircraft delivery schedule.  The airline previously announced that it would launch daily nonstop flights from both Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to MCO beginning August 19, 2010. Due to an unexpected delay in its aircraft delivery schedule, Virgin America will postpone its start of service to MCO until at least October 2010.  In the coming weeks, the airline will release a new MCO start date in the fourth quarter of 2010 – at which time guests will again be able to book Orlando tickets via Virgin America's website and call center.  

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090123/VIRGINAMERICALOGO)

"We apologize for any inconvenience this delay has caused to our Orlando guests.  Although an unforeseen delay in our aircraft delivery schedule has forced us to postpone our launch date, we still intend to bring our low-fare, award-winning service to Orlando before the end of this year," said Diana Walke, Vice President of Planning and Sales at Virgin America.  "Orlando is an important year-round travel market for us and we look forward to adding the city as a new destination later in 2010."  

Orlando guests impacted by this delay will be refunded and contacted by Virgin America Reservations.  Any travelers with questions may also call Virgin America at 1.877.FLY.VIRGIN (1.877.359.8474)*.  

As planned, Virgin America is still poised for major growth and expects to take delivery of six additional aircraft in 2010. By this time next year, the airline expects that its fleet will have grown by almost one-third.  In addition to Orlando and Toronto, Virgin America intends to launch at least three more new destinations in 2010.  

Launched in August 2007, Virgin America offers low fares and innovative amenities that appeal to today's travelers.  With outstanding service and beautifully designed new planes, Virgin America has captured a loyal guest following and experienced significant growth since its launch.  In just over two years flying, the airline has captured the "Best Domestic Airline" title in both Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards and Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards.  Virgin America has flown 7.8 million guests since its inaugural flights in August 2007 and now counts over 1.3 million Elevate frequent flyers.  Virgin America flies to San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., Seattle, Las Vegas, San Diego, Boston, Orange County (ends May 26), Fort Lauderdale, Toronto (starting June 23) and Orlando (starting in the fourth quarter of 2010).    

EDITORS NOTE: Virgin America is a U.S. controlled and operated airline. Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group is a minority share investor in Virgin America.

About Virgin America: Headquartered in California and launched in August 2007, Virgin America is one of the fastest growing start-up U.S. airlines of all time and currently employs over 1500 people. Virgin America offers guests attractive fares and a host of innovative features. The airline's base of operations is San Francisco International Airport's International Terminal.  The airline's 28 new Airbus A320-family aircraft offer interactive in-flight entertainment systems and power outlets near every seat for electronic gear. Virgin America offers in-flight internet service on every flight and hosts the largest in-flight entertainment library in the U.S. skies via its touch-screen Red™ seatback system. Elevate is Virgin America's first-of-its-kind loyalty program, which offers guests the ability to redeem points for any unsold seat — on any Virgin America flight, at any time. For more: www.virginamerica.com

*Any guest calling within the United States has access to a complimentary telecommunication relay service by dialing 711.  For more information, go to:  http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/telecomm.asp.

SOURCE Virgin America