Virgin America Signs Interline Deal With China Airlines

SAN FRANCISCO, May 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Virgin America, the California–based airline, announces a new interline agreement with China Airlines, offering seamless travel on the networks of both carriers across their respective North American and Asian routes. China Airlines is the eleventh interline partner for the rapidly expanding U.S. domestic airline. Virgin America has grown to 17 destinations, a fleet of 51 new aircraft and 2,600 teammates since its launch in August 2007. In addition to the new China Airlines agreement, Virgin America has interline agreements with Virgin Australia, Virgin Atlantic, Air New Zealand, Emirates, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, South African Airways, El Al and Qantas. For more, visit: http://www.virginamerica.com/travel/virgin-partners.html

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090123/VIRGINAMERICALOGO)

"We're pleased to sign an interline agreement with China Airlines that will allow us to provide guests of both of our airlines with more connection options between Taiwan and U.S. cities," said Adam Green, Virgin America's Director of Network Planning. "Strategic partnerships like this one with China Airlines are critical to driving connections over our SFO and LAX bases."

Effective last month, the agreement allows connecting guests to purchase interline tickets for travel between the U.S., Taiwan and beyond. Under the agreement, China Airlines provides service from Taipei, Taiwan to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The interline partnership offers a new choice for guests of both airlines to travel between Taipei and Virgin America destinations including Boston (BOS), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Philadelphia (PHL), New York (JFK) and Washington DC (IAD). Both airlines will transfer baggage between connecting flights to guests' final destinations.

"We are thrilled to partner with Virgin America," said China Airlines' Vice President, Michael Lo. "This agreement combines the strengths of two world–class airlines to provide better connectivity for guests flying between the U.S., Taiwan and beyond."

China Airlines, with headquarters in and major flight operations from Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei, flies to destinations in Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania.  China Airlines has a strong presence in Southeast Asia, East Asia, Northeast Asia and Greater China.

Known for beautifully-designed cabins and unparalleled in-flight entertainment, Virgin America has swept the travel awards since its 2007 launch. The airline has taken top honors as "Best U.S. Airline" in both Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards and Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards for the past four consecutive years. Virgin America's mood–lit, custom–designed new aircraft feature standard power outlets near every seat, Gogo™  In–flight Internet on every flight and Red™ – the most advanced entertainment system in the U.S. In addition to a Main Cabin that offers leather seats with a deeper, more comfortable pitch, Virgin America's First Class features international–grade amenities, including plush white leather seats with 55 inches of pitch and lumbar massagers. The carrier's premium cabin option, Main Cabin Select, offers 38–inches of seat pitch, complimentary food and cocktails, an all–access pass to entertainment options, dedicated overhead bin space, one free checked bag and priority check–in and boarding.

Interline electronic tickets for Virgin America and China Airlines connecting flights can now be booked through all the major Global Distribution Systems (GDS). Travel agents should refer to China Airlines' GDS reference pages for further booking instructions.

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, Chicago, Puerto Vallarta, Palm Springs (seasonally), Philadelphia – and as of June 5th, Portland.

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 four years flying, Virgin America was named "Best Domestic Airline" in the Conde Nast Traveler 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 'Readers' Choice' Awards and "Best Domestic Airline" in Travel + Leisure's 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 'World's Best' Awards. The airline's base of operations is San Francisco International Airport (SFO)'s sleek and sustainable new Terminal 2. The airline's new aircraft offer interactive in–flight entertainment systems and power outlets near every seat. Virgin America offers Gogo™ WiFi on every flight and hosts the largest in–flight entertainment library in the North American skies via the touch–screen Red™ platform. For more: www.virginamerica.com

About China Airlines: Headquartered at Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei, China Airlines is Taiwan's largest airline company and one of Asia's leading carriers. The company has evolved from a state-owned flag carrier into a public conglomerate offering a wide range of services to its customers. China Airlines is proud to offer one of the most exquisite services combining the elegance of Chinese culture with advanced modern comfort. The added flavor also includes Taiwan's most famous local delicacies and Chinese cuisines, and one of the most exquisite and attentive aircrew in the region. Since its founding in 1959, China Airlines has grown to become one of Asia's leading carriers, offering comfortable service to 28 countries worldwide. As of the end of March 2012, China Airlines operates 71 aircraft, including 51 passenger jets and 20 freighters, with an average aircraft age of around 8.8 years. The company is upgrading most of its cabins to be among the industry's finest, and will be introducing the new Airbus A350 series in the next few years. For more information please visit: www.china-airlines.com

SOURCE Virgin America