Virgin America and Weathernews
Americas Inc. have signed an agreement that designates the global,
full-service weather company as the provider of meteorological
support services for the airline's operations.
Under the agreement, Weathernews will provide Virgin America
operations group advanced software and 7x24 access to
meteorological consultation personnel and services. Virgin America
is able to question WNI aviation staff via telephone or instant
messenger, anytime, day or night, about flight planning or flight
following information; providing a virtual meteorologist.
Weathernews software provides forecasting and decision support
tools that are unique in the aviation industry.
"Virgin America's agreement with Weathernews ensures that our
operations will have the best weather forecasting tools available
to keep our customers and flight crews safe from the impact of
weather while we, as an organization, increase our operating
efficiency," said Scott Humphrey, Virgin's director of Dispatch.
"Additionally, Weathernews' global expertise and close
relationships with key academic, government and private-sector
organizations, will provide us with unprecedented access to
advancements in meteorological research and development."
Founded in 1952 by a former United
Airlines meteorologist, Weathernews has a staff of highly trained
personnel with extensive aviation experience, having worked for
U.S., Japanese and other international commercial airlines as well
as the U.S. Air Force. The company has built a range of services
for the aviation industry that include aviation forecasting, flight
planning and flight dispatcher solutions. These services meet a
full spectrum of safety and economic requirements for the variety
of aviation organizations operating throughout the world, from
commercial aviation to helicopter and light aircraft (offshore,
maintenance of utility lines, mountain rescue, etc.) companies.
Weathernews has two aviation support centers; one in Norman,
Oklahoma and a second in Makuhari, Japan.
"Our global company is fully committed to serving all weather
related needs of commercial and general aviation around the world.
The establishment of our operation center in the heart of America's
meteorological community in Norman, Oklahoma reinforces that stance
in the U.S. market," said Jeremy Usher, President and CEO of
Weathernews Americas, Inc.
Virgin America plans to launch beginning with a San Francisco to
New York service. This will grow and evolve into other destinations
as profitability increases. Its goal is to support over 100
flights.
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