Virgin America Launches 2010 Growth Plans; Summer Expansion to Orlando, Toronto

SAN FRANCISCO, March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Virgin America today announces network expansion plans that position the new airline for strong growth in 2010 and beyond.  Today, Virgin America announces it will serve Orlando International Airport (MCO) with daily nonstop flights from both Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) beginning August 19, 2010.  Additionally, the airline announces its intent to serve Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) with daily flights from both LAX and SFO as early as June 2010.  Coming on the heels of the Company's new Department of Transportation-approved ownership structure, Virgin America is poised for major growth in 2010 – with six additional aircraft entering its fleet this year and three additional aircraft scheduled for the first quarter of 2011. By this time next year, the airline's fleet will have grown by almost one-third.

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

"With strong financial performance, a new ownership structure and growth in fleet size, we're pleased to be able to expand to world-class destinations like Orlando and Toronto this year," said Virgin America President and CEO David Cush.  "Both cities are major travel destinations from the West Coast, and we're looking forward to introducing our service to travelers in these and other new markets in 2010 and beyond."

Virgin America's LAX-MCO fares start at $149 and SFO-MCO fares start at $199 one way in Main Cabin* and tickets are on sale today on Virgin America's Web site (www.virginamerica.com) and at 1.877.FLY.VIRGIN (1.877.359.8474).**

"We are pleased that Virgin America, the airline recently ranked best domestic midsize airline in premium and economy class in the 2009 Zagat Global Survey has chosen Orlando as its newest destination.  The nonstop service to and from Los Angeles and San Francisco will offer new options and low fares," said Steve Gardner, Executive Director of Orlando International Airport.

Also today, Virgin America will file an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) seeking authority to fly from the United States to Canada.   If approved, this would become the airline's first international destination.  As set forth in the application, Virgin America, subject to receipt of all operating authority, plans to begin service as early as June 2010 on the following routes:

• LAX-YYZ:  one nonstop daily flight and one daily through flight.
• SFO-YYZ:  one nonstop daily flight and one daily through flight.

The airline has also announced that it will end service to John Wayne Airport (SNA) effective May 26, 2010.  Given Virgin America's new fleet plan, the move will allow the airline to immediately launch service into the more lucrative Orlando and Toronto long-haul markets.  All of Virgin America's SNA teammates will be guaranteed equivalent positions at the airline's expanding LAX base or in other areas of its growing operation.  

"Despite our relatively strong performance at SNA, given our new fleet plan and network prospects, we've made the decision to focus on the immediate long-haul opportunities that the Orlando and Toronto markets provide.  We thank the SNA airport leadership and community for supporting us – and our teammates for their dedication," added Cush.  

In addition to Orlando and Toronto, Virgin America intends to announce at least three more new destinations in 2010.  The airline continues to see growing sales, a maturing route network and financial growth.  For Virgin America's most recently reported quarter (the third quarter of 2009), the airline reported its first quarterly operating profit, a year-over-year revenue increase of 38.3 percent, record load factors and improved unit costs.

Launched in August 2007, Virgin America offers low fares and innovative amenities that appeal to today's business and leisure travelers alike.  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.  

EDITORS NOTE:  Virgin America is a U.S.-controlled, owned and operated airline.  It is an entirely separate company from Virgin Atlantic.  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.  The airline's 28 aircraft Airbus A320-family fleet is up to 25% more fuel and carbon efficient than the average domestic fleet.  Virgin America offers guests attractive fares and a host of innovative features.  The airline's base of operations is San Francisco International Airport's modern International Terminal.  The airline's new 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, please visit:  www.virginamerica.com

*Terms and Conditions:  All Main Cabin fares are one-way and require a 21-day advance purchase. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Tickets must be purchased by 11:59pm PDT 03.25.10. Travel must occur between 08.19.10 and 11.17.10. Higher sale fares are available on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Blackout dates are 09.03.10 and 09.06.10. Seats are limited, subject to availability, and may not be available on all flights. Flight may not operate daily during off-peak periods. Changes or cancellations can be made for a $75 fee if changes are made on Virgin America's Web site (www.virginamerica.com) or a $100 fee through all other channels, including the call center and at the airport, plus any increase in fare, if applicable. Guests who no-show without a change or cancel prior to the scheduled departure time will forfeit the amount of this fare. In addition, any future flights booked in the same reservation will also be canceled and the fare will be forfeited. Tickets purchased from Virgin America through our reservation call center will cost an additional $15 per guest per itinerary. Any added cost associated with purchasing tickets from Virgin America through our reservation call center will be non-refundable. Fares do not include Passenger Facility Charges of up to $9 each way, September 11th Security Fees of up to $5 each way and a Federal Segment Tax of $3.70 per domestic segment. A segment is a takeoff and landing. Fares will not be honored retroactively or in exchange for any wholly or partially used ticket.  Fares, routes, fees and schedules are subject to change without notice. Virgin America will accept one (1) piece of checked baggage up to 70 pounds for $25 for each ticketed guest. The fee per guest for each additional checked bag up to 50 pounds from the second (2) to the tenth (10) is $25. Additional fees apply to baggage exceeding these weight limitations, and other baggage restrictions may apply.

**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