Virgin America & Sir Richard Branson Roll Out the Red Carpet for Airline's First Palm Springs Flight

WHAT: Virgin America, the award-winning U.S. airline, will celebrate the launch of its new nonstop and through-flight seasonal service to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) with a red carpet welcome for guests onboard its inaugural flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - including Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson and Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet.Upon touchdown of Virgin America's first flight at PSP, the new Airbus A320 aircraft will receive a water cannon salute and a special reception with a Virgin twist - right on the arrival tarmac. First flight guests will be met at touch-down by local officials and PSP leadership.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090123/VIRGINAMERICALOGO)

Known for its stylish design and innovative amenities (like fleetwide WiFi and touch-screen entertainment for all guests), the California-based carrier will bring its unique brand of low-fare competition to the PSP market with a seasonal daily flight schedule operating from December 15, 2011-April 30, 2012.Virgin America will offer daily nonstop intra-California flights from SFO to PSP and daily same-plane through-flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to PSP. Virgin America's expansion will inject economic growth and much-needed competition into the local air travel market. With a reputation as "Hollywood's Playground," an enviable desert climate, world-class resorts and golfing, shopping, special events and modern and mid-century architecture, PSP will be the sixteenth destination in the airline's expanding network.

When:	Thursday, December 15 at 3:55pm (Flight touch-down is scheduled for 3:55pm and could possibly arrive earlier, so media should arrive by 3:00pm to allow for screening and set-up.)
Where:	Palm Springs International Airport (Media will be required to process through security screening and must RSVP in advance)
Who:	Among the dignitaries scheduled to speak:
	Steve Pougnet, Mayor of Palm Springs
	Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group Founder
	David Cush, Virgin America President and CEO
RSVP:	Analisa Schelle/ 510-292-5410/[e-mail]
KEY VISUALS:
	Virgin America Airbus A320 aircraft touching down in Palm Springs, welcomed by traditional water cannon salute First commercial flight guests, including Sir Richard Branson and Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet, de-planing and walking red carpet as Virgin America's first flight touches down in Palm Springs Speaking program on airline's growth, economic impact of new air service at PSP Guests enjoying Virgin America's red carpet fete just off the tarmac Media tours of Virgin America Airbus A320 featuring moodlit interiors and Red' touch-screen seatback entertainment

Launched in August 2007, Virgin America is the only airline headquartered in California. In just four years flying, the airline has grown to 2100 teammates, expanded to 16 destinations (including PSP) and has swept the major travel awards for its unique service - including being named "Best Domestic Airline" in the Conde Nast Traveler 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 'Readers' Choice' Awards and "Best Domestic Airline" in Travel + Leisure's 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 'World's Best' Awards. Virgin America offers beautifully-designed and comfortable cabins alongside a host of inventive amenities, including moodlit cabins, fleetwide WiFi, power outlets and touch-screen entertainment. The Red entertainment platform offers every guest access to 35 on-demand films, live TV, videogames, music videos, seat-to-seat chat as well as an on-demand menu so flyers can order cocktails or snacks from their seat any time during their flight.

EDITORS NOTE: Virgin America is a U.S.-controlled, owned and operated airline. It is an entirely separate company from Virgin Atlantic; Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group is a minority share investor in Virgin America.

About Virgin America: Headquartered in California, Virgin America offers guests low fares and a host of inventive features aimed at reinventing travel. The airline's base of operations is San Francisco International Airport (SFO)'s sleek and sustainable new Terminal 2. Virgin America flies to San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., Seattle, Las Vegas, San Diego, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Cabos, Cancun, Chicago, Puerto Vallarta and Palm Springs (as of Dec. 15, 2011). For photos/video of the airline's unique new aircraft and interiors, visit: www.virginamerica.com/about/airline-photos/virgin-america-pictures.html

Contacts:
Patricia Condon	Whitney Gaglio
650.906-8147 (cell)	714-402-6015 (cell)
[e-mail]	[e-mail]

/PRNewswire -- Dec. 8, 2011/

SOURCE Virgin America