Virgin America is double-award winner in 2014 World Airline Awards

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Virgin America took top honors for Best Low-Cost Airline in the USA for the fifth consecutive year as well as Best Staff Service among North American airlines for the fourth year in a row in the 2014 World Airline Awards (formerly Skytrax awards). The survey for the awards operated between August 2013 and May 2014 and included more than 100 customer nationalities from over 160 countries.

“To be named the top low-cost airline in the U.S. by such experienced global travelers is truly an honor,” said Virgin America Senior Vice President of People and In-Flight, Frances Fiorillo. “I believe that we have some of the most dedicated and committed teammates in the industry and to be recognized for providing the best airline staff service in North America is a testament to their hard-work and belief in re-inventing the airline travel experience.”

The awards were presented today at the historic Wind Tunnel at the former Royal Aircraft Establishment as part of the Farnborough International Airshow near London in the United Kingdom. The 2014 awards are based on 41 key performance indicators of airline product and service – from check-in to boarding, seats, cabin cleanliness, food, beverages, IFE and staff service – and included more than 18 million responses.

“We congratulate Virgin America for this double success. With the awards voted for by airline customers worldwide, they represent the voice of passengers, and being a global survey are regarded as a benchmark of airline excellence,” said Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax. “The awards recognise the front-line service quality being delivered by Virgin America staff across all customer-facing areas, both in the airport and onboard environment, and it is their success that we are honoring today with these awards.”