Virgin America Names New SVP and Chief Financial Officer

SAN FRANCISCO, June 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Virgin America, the award-winning domestic airline, today announces the appointment of Peter D. Hunt as the Company's new Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) effective July 11, 2011.  Hunt will oversee the growing airline's financial operations, including treasury, tax, financial planning and analysis, accounting, external financial reporting, budgets, procurement and fleet planning. Hunt brings to Virgin America extensive experience in all aspects of finance and accounting at a publicly traded airline, having most recently served as Vice President and CFO of Pinnacle Airlines.

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"Peter brings strong financial expertise to the Company, specifically in leading a growing airline as it prepares to enter the public markets.  His experience and talent will be invaluable in shaping and leading our Company in the years ahead," said David Cush, President and Chief Executive Officer of Virgin America.  "We're pleased to welcome Peter to the team, and know he will play a critical role at this stage of our growth and development."

While at Pinnacle, Hunt oversaw the financial aspects of a public airline with over $1 billion in annual revenue.  In addition to negotiating the purchase of Mesaba Aviation in 2010, Hunt led the negotiation of several operating agreements with Pinnacle's major airline partners resulting in new aircraft orders and growth for the company.  Hunt also managed the relationship with Northwest Airlines during Northwest's restructuring in 2007, ultimately leading to a new, long-term partnership.  Hunt was responsible for all areas of finance and accounting during his six years at Pinnacle, including managing relationships with investors and lenders.  Hunt began his aviation career with eight years at Continental Airlines, where he rose to the position of Managing Director of Corporate Finance.

Hunt holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Georgetown University.  He has served on the Board of Directors of the United Way of the Mid-South and the Memphis Development Foundation, the not-for-profit organization that manages the Orpheum Theater in Memphis.

Hunt will report to Cush and be based at Virgin America's corporate headquarters in Burlingame, California.

Hunt replaces current SVP and CFO Holly Nelson, who will depart the Company to pursue other opportunities.

About Virgin America: Headquartered in California, Virgin America offers guests attractive fares and a host of innovative features aimed at reinventing air travel.  In just over three years flying, Virgin America was named "Best Domestic Airline" in the Conde Nast Traveler 2008, 2009 and 2010 Readers' Choice Awards and "Best Domestic Airline" in Travel + Leisure's 2008, 2009 and 2010 World's Best Awards.  Virgin America is a U.S. owned and operated airline that has created 2,000 jobs and welcomed more than 11 million guests since its August 2007 launch.  The airline's current base of operations is SFO's International Terminal.  On April 14, 2011, the airline became an anchor tenant at SFO's new Terminal 2.  Virgin America flies to San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., Seattle, Las Vegas, San Diego, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Cabos, Cancun and Chicago.  For more, please visit: www.virginamerica.com

SOURCE Virgin America