Thu, Jul 12, 2007
DOT Allows Sales In Advance Of Late Summer Launch
Virgin America received approval
from the US Department of Transportation Wednesday to begin selling
tickets in advance of their launch later this summer. The airline
intends to begin service this August, with specific dates for
tickets sales and first flights to be announced in the weeks
ahead.
"My teammates and I thank the Department and are thrilled with
this latest step forward," said Virgin America CEO Fred Reid.
"We're eager to bring this exciting new airline to the flying
public. We've got an incredible team of people, brand-new planes
with some fun, innovative features that we hope people will love.
We can't wait to welcome our first guests when we start flying
later this summer."
The DOT's oral approval Wednesday permits the company to accept
customer payments and to issue tickets for airline flights prior to
receiving effective authority from the Department, said the
carrier.
As ANN reported, on May 18
the DOT issued its Final Order finding Virgin America a US citizen
and fit, willing, and able to provide interstate scheduled air
transportation. The company expects to receive its Effective
Certificate shortly in time for an August launch.
In its request to the DOT, Virgin America noted the company is
fully staffed, has taken delivery of 10 new Airbus 319/320
aircraft, and is ready to advertise, sell tickets and operate the
airline. The airline successfully completed the FAA's intensive
formal safety evaluation in December.
The San Francisco-based carrier describes itself as a next
generation carrier that provides innovative guest features that
will try to put some fun back into air travel. Some of the perks
include an advanced personal in-flight entertainment (IFE) system
in the domestic airline market, and cabins with mood-lighting and
custom-designed leather seats.
Virgin America also says its new aircraft will offer ample plugs
for laptops and other portable electronic devices, as well as the
ability to order food or chat with other guests through the IFE
system.
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