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.

FMI: www.virginamerica.com, www.weathernews.com