Expanded airline service coming to the US west coast

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Virgin America announced today its plans to launch service to John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, California. Beginning on April 30, 2009, Virgin America plans to fly five daily flights from its home base at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to SNA. SNA will be the ninth destination airport in the airline’s growing network.

“As the only airline headquartered in California, Orange County is an enormously important travel market for us. We couldn’t be more pleased to be partnering with John Wayne Airport to bring our unique, award-winning service to the region,” said Virgin America president and CEO David Cush. “With low fares and new planes that offer a totally different flying experience, from cabin moodlighting to touch-screen seatback entertainment, we think our service is a perfect match for Orange County’s discriminating travelers.”

“We’re pleased to welcome Virgin America to Orange County,” said SNA Airport director Alan Murphy. “Competition brings more options for travelers, and we think Virgin America’s competitive fares and fun, innovative in-flight amenities will be a popular choice for our visitors and residents.”

“Our business model is focused on smart growth in 2009, with an emphasis on population centers where our stylish, attractively-priced flights will resonate with savvy travelers. Orange County is an ideal fit for Virgin America’s upscale service and a natural extension of our LAX-SFO routes,” added Cush.