The U.S.-based airline announced in December that it secured $177.3 million in financing, and aims to launch service this year from San Francisco International Airport. Half of the funding came from VAI Partners LLC, an investment group funded by private U.S. investment firms Black Canyon Capital in Los Angeles and Cyprus Capital Partners in New York. The airline needs approval from the Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration.
Virgin America aims to occupy the new headquarters in March. Workers in finance, marketing and other administrative jobs will join the operations control center in the headquarters, making up 100 employees. The remaining 1,400 pilots, flight attendants, ticket agents, mechanics and others will work out of SFO.
The airline has said its first flight will be from SFO to New York. It has not disclosed other destinations, though it is targeting major U.S. cities.
It is most likely that Virgin America will be going head to head with JetBlue. If the Virgin America is going to be anything like the Virgin brand name, VA will have a high class of service for a minimal charge. Personal attention on Virgin flights are something the airline is known for.
It is unlikely that Virigin America will be completing against Southwest; JetBlue is more likely. Mostly likely VA will be a west coast east coast flying company until it can establish itself. Watch for VA to announce routes to Boston, Dulles, Chicago, Minneapolis, Miami, Tampa, and possibly Dallas/Fort. Worth.
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