Virgin America Launches 2010 Growth Plans; Summer Expansion to Orlando,
Toronto

    
    Airline Grows Fleet; Announces New Service to Orlando and Intent to Serve
    Toronto This Summer




    
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<p><span class="xn-location">SAN FRANCISCO</span>, <span class="xn-chron">March 18</span> /CNW/ -- Virgin America today announces network expansion plans that position the new airline for strong growth in 2010 and beyond.  Today, Virgin America announces it will serve <span class="xn-location">Orlando</span> International Airport (MCO) with daily nonstop flights from both <span class="xn-location">Los Angeles</span> International Airport (LAX) and <span class="xn-location">San Francisco</span> International Airport (SFO) beginning <span class="xn-chron">August 19, 2010</span>.  Additionally, the airline announces its intent to serve <span class="xn-location">Toronto</span> Pearson International Airport (YYZ) with daily flights from both LAX and SFO as early as <span class="xn-chron">June 2010</span>.  Coming on the heels of the Company's new Department of Transportation-approved ownership structure, Virgin America is poised for major growth in 2010 - with six additional aircraft entering its fleet this year and three additional aircraft scheduled for the first quarter of 2011. By this time next year, the airline's fleet will have grown by almost one-third.</p>
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<p>To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: <a href="http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/virginamerica/43069/">http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/virginamerica/43069/</a></p>
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    (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090123/VIRGINAMERICALOGO )

    
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<p>"With strong financial performance, a new ownership structure and growth in fleet size, we're pleased to be able to expand to world-class destinations like <span class="xn-location">Orlando</span> and <span class="xn-location">Toronto</span> this year," said Virgin <span class="xn-person">America President</span> and CEO <span class="xn-person">David Cush</span>.  "Both cities are major travel destinations from the West Coast, and we're looking forward to introducing our service to travelers in these and other new markets in 2010 and beyond."</p>
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<p>Virgin America's LAX-MCO fares start at <span class="xn-money">$149</span> and SFO-MCO fares start at <span class="xn-money">$199</span> one way in Main Cabin* and tickets are on sale today on Virgin America's Web site (<a href="http://www.virginamerica.com">www.virginamerica.com</a>) and at 1.877.FLY.VIRGIN (1.877.359.8474).**</p>
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<p>"We are pleased that Virgin America, the airline recently ranked best domestic midsize airline in premium and economy class in the 2009 Zagat Global Survey has chosen <span class="xn-location">Orlando</span> as its newest destination.  The nonstop service to and from <span class="xn-location">Los Angeles</span> and <span class="xn-location">San Francisco</span> will offer new options and low fares," said <span class="xn-person">Steve Gardner</span>, Executive Director of <span class="xn-location">Orlando</span> International Airport.</p>
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<p>Also today, Virgin America will file an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) seeking authority to fly from the <span class="xn-location">United States</span> to <span class="xn-location">Canada</span>.  If approved, this would become the airline's first international destination.  As set forth in the application, Virgin America, subject to receipt of all operating authority, plans to begin service as early as <span class="xn-chron">June 2010</span> on the following routes:</p>
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    --  LAX-YYZ:  one nonstop daily flight and one daily through flight.
    --  SFO-YYZ:  one nonstop daily flight and one daily through flight.

    
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<p>The airline has also announced that it will end service to <span class="xn-person">John Wayne</span> Airport (SNA) effective <span class="xn-chron">May 26, 2010</span>.  Given Virgin America's new fleet plan, the move will allow the airline to immediately launch service into the more lucrative <span class="xn-location">Orlando</span> and <span class="xn-location">Toronto</span> long-haul markets.  All of Virgin America's SNA teammates will be guaranteed equivalent positions at the airline's expanding LAX base or in other areas of its growing operation.</p>
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<p>"Despite our relatively strong performance at SNA, given our new fleet plan and network prospects, we've made the decision to focus on the immediate long-haul opportunities that the <span class="xn-location">Orlando</span> and <span class="xn-location">Toronto</span> markets provide.  We thank the SNA airport leadership and community for supporting us - and our teammates for their dedication," added Cush.</p>
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<p>In addition to <span class="xn-location">Orlando</span> and <span class="xn-location">Toronto</span>, Virgin America intends to announce at least three more new destinations in 2010.  The airline continues to see growing sales, a maturing route network and financial growth.  For Virgin America's most recently reported quarter (the third quarter of 2009), the airline reported its first quarterly operating profit, a year-over-year revenue increase of 38.3 percent, record load factors and improved unit costs.</p>
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<p>Launched in <span class="xn-chron">August 2007</span>, Virgin America offers low fares and innovative amenities that appeal to today's business and leisure travelers alike.  In just over two years flying, the airline has captured the "Best Domestic Airline" title in both Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards and Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards.</p>
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<p>EDITORS NOTE:  Virgin America is a U.S.-controlled, owned and operated airline.  It is an entirely separate company from Virgin Atlantic.  <span class="xn-person">Sir Richard Branson</span>'s Virgin Group is a minority share investor in Virgin America</p>
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<p>About Virgin America:  Headquartered in California and launched in <span class="xn-chron">August 2007</span>, Virgin America is one of the fastest growing start-up U.S. airlines of all time and currently employs over 1500 people.  The airline's 28 aircraft Airbus A320-family fleet is up to 25% more fuel and carbon efficient than the average domestic fleet.  Virgin America offers guests attractive fares and a host of innovative features.  The airline's base of operations is <span class="xn-location">San Francisco</span> International Airport's modern International Terminal.  The airline's new aircraft offer interactive in-flight entertainment systems and power outlets near every seat for electronic gear.  Virgin America offers in-flight internet service on every flight and hosts the largest in-flight entertainment library in the U.S. skies via its touch-screen Red(TM) seatback system.  Elevate is Virgin America's first-of-its-kind loyalty program, which offers guests the ability to redeem points for any unsold seat - on any Virgin America flight, at any time.  For more, please visit:  <a href="http://www.virginamerica.com">www.virginamerica.com</a></p>
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<p>*Terms and Conditions:  All Main Cabin fares are one-way and require a 21-day advance purchase. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Tickets must be purchased by <span class="xn-chron">11:59pm PDT</span> <span class="xn-chron">03.25.10</span>. Travel must occur between <span class="xn-chron">08.19.10</span> and <span class="xn-chron">11.17.10</span>. Higher sale fares are available on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Blackout dates are <span class="xn-chron">09.03.10</span> and <span class="xn-chron">09.06.10</span>. Seats are limited, subject to availability, and may not be available on all flights. Flight may not operate daily during off-peak periods. Changes or cancellations can be made for a <span class="xn-money">$75</span> fee if changes are made on Virgin America's Web site (<a href="http://www.virginamerica.com">www.virginamerica.com</a>) or a <span class="xn-money">$100</span> fee through all other channels, including the call center and at the airport, plus any increase in fare, if applicable. Guests who no-show without a change or cancel prior to the scheduled departure time will forfeit the amount of this fare. In addition, any future flights booked in the same reservation will also be canceled and the fare will be forfeited. Tickets purchased from Virgin America through our reservation call center will cost an additional <span class="xn-money">$15</span> per guest per itinerary. Any added cost associated with purchasing tickets from Virgin America through our reservation call center will be non-refundable. Fares do not include Passenger Facility Charges of up to <span class="xn-money">$9</span> each way, <span class="xn-chron">September 11th</span> Security Fees of up to <span class="xn-money">$5</span> each way and a Federal Segment Tax of <span class="xn-money">$3.70</span> per domestic segment. A segment is a takeoff and landing. Fares will not be honored retroactively or in exchange for any wholly or partially used ticket.  Fares, routes, fees and schedules are subject to change without notice. Virgin America will accept one (1) piece of checked baggage up to 70 pounds for <span class="xn-money">$25</span> for each ticketed guest. The fee per guest for each additional checked bag up to 50 pounds from the second (2) to the tenth (10) is <span class="xn-money">$25</span>. Additional fees apply to baggage exceeding these weight limitations, and other baggage restrictions may apply.</p>
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<p>**Any guest calling within the <span class="xn-location">United States</span> has access to a complimentary telecommunication relay service by dialing 711.  For more information, go to:  <a href="http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/telecomm.asp">http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/telecomm.asp</a>.</p>
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For further information: Abby Lunardini of Virgin America, [phone], [email protected] Web Site: http://www.virginamerica.com