Virgin America takes off

Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin corporation has been responsible for a record label, a soft drink and oh yes- an airline. Virgin Atlantic has been in successful operation for some years now, and now the company is ready to open the North American arm of the fleet with the introduction of Virgin America.

The goal of Virgin America is to offer a luxurious flying experience to all passengers, not only those in first class at affordable prices. The first flight flew yesterday from New York to San Francisco, the two airports that will act as hubs for the virgin airline.

A one-way ticket between the two hubs will start at $139, and for shorter distances like Los Angeles to San Francisco start as low as $44. There is nonetheless a first class on the planes, and starting for just $10 more, you can take advantage of amenities like massage chairs and personal video screens.

Virgin’s arrival has not been welcome by other airlines that are now to be its competitors; Delta Airlines, Continental Airlines and others attempted to block Virgin from operating, claiming that since Branson is English, there was a violation of US federal law that states foreign control of an American operated airline cannot exceed 25%. This strategy worked, but Virgin relinquished stock to US investors to beat the technicality.

www.virginamerica.com