"Pop the Bubbly, We've Been Approved" is what the Virgin America website stated on Friday May 18th. The Department of Transportation granted final approval for Virgin America to begin operations.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be cleared for take-off and for the opportunity to serve San Francisco, the Bay Area, California, and the American public,” said Virgin America CEO Fred Reid.
As apart of the approval, Reid must step down as CEO but not until 6 months after operations begin. But don't worry about Reid, I'm sure he has a place at Virgin America or even another airline.
Now that the company has been formally approved, the next step will be to seek a waiver to start selling tickets. The company is planning a mid-summer launch. Virgin America’s first flights will be between San Francisco (SFO) and New York (JFK). The airline also plans to serve Los Angeles (LAX), Washington/Dulles, San Diego and Las Vegas within its first year of operations.
WooHoo! Welcome VA!
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