The U.S. Department of Transportation today approved Virgin America's application to begin selling tickets. The carrier seeks to commence service from its San Francisco hub next month, "with specific dates for ticket sales and first flights to be announced in the weeks ahead."
"In its request to DOT, Virgin America noted that the company is fully staffed, has taken delivery of 10 new Airbus 319/320 aircraft, and is ready to advertise, sell tickets and operate the airline," Virgin America said in a statement today.
DOT in May approved Virgin America to launch service, following months of negotiations as to the carrier's compliance with U.S. laws governing foreign ownership of domestic carriers. DOT in March tentatively had approved the Virgin America venture after Virgin agreed to replace CEO Fred Reid, who the government saw as too close to foreign investors and loosen parent company control, such as the ability to veto certain contracts and spending. Virgin America said Reid would step down after the carrier launches
(BTNonline, May 21).
Virgin America plans to launch its inaugural service between San Francisco and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport
(BTN, March 5), and expects to serve as many as 10 cities within a year of operation and up to 30 cities within five years of service.