First Flight Delayed By -- Wait For It -- Weather

Whoops. Not long after British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson lambasted other US carriers Wednesday during the launch of his latest airline venture, Virgin America... the airline got a taste of one of the multitude of reasons those other carriers have had a tough summer.

As ANN reported earlier this week, Virgin America was to get off to a splashy start Wednesday as it flew its first trip from New York to San Francisco. The flight did get off the ground... eventually, after being delayed by a strong storm along the east coast.

Which goes to show that sometimes, white leather seats and mood lighting will only get you so far.

"The American airline industry is abysmal," Branson said at John F. Kennedy Airport before passengers boarded the first flight, according to Reuters. "The reason they go bust is they don't offer any service to the customer."

A few hours later, however, Branson was singing a somewhat more humble tune.

"What a strange day," said Branson. "I think half our guests haven't made it to the airport." (Among the no-shows was Virgin America CEO Fred Reid.)

Many believe the (literal) storm clouds surrounding Virgin America's first flight will clear, however... much as the airline's earlier regulatory snarls gave way to clearer skies.

"This is going to be a service leader," said airline consultant Terry Trippler, who added the presence of Virgin America in cities already served by such carriers as JetBlue, American, and Delta could trigger not a fare war... but a war to wow disgruntled passengers with superior service.

FMI: www.virginamerica.com