Virgin America, the low-fare airline with stylish service, launched a new nonstop, daily service today to Orlando from Los Angeles and San Francisco International Airports. To celebrate the launch, the airline planned a gate celebration in Orlando with guests on one of its first flights. Following their arrival, guests were expected to receive a red carpet “family vacation” themed party hosted by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty, Virgin Group Founder, Sir Richard Branson and Virgin America President CEO David Cush.
According to Cush, “When we look at the Orlando market, what we see is a market that is heavy in tourism as well as heavy in convention business, so we see a good year round market. The other thing we see is that the competitors in that market have tired old products. We’re bringing something in that’s fresh, that’s fun, that’s brand new, that’s built around in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi access, and a lots of other things that the competitors simply do not have.”
“We are delighted to welcome Virgin America Airlines to Orlando,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Virgin America’s daily nonstop flights from Orlando to San Francisco and Los Angeles further strengthen our position as the world’s premier vacation destination. Equally important, these nonstop connections to the West Coast give our residents more flight options, help us attract new companies to Orlando and help fuel the continued diversification of Central Florida’s economy.”
Flights were originally expected to begin on August 19, but the original start-up had to be postponed due to problems with leased aircraft, Orlando Business Journal reports.
Airfares on the new route to Orlando from the west coast start at $119.
