Virgin America Names AA's David Cush CEO

Virgin America today named American Airlines senior vice president of global sales David Cush to succeed CEO Fred Reid on Dec. 10.

Virgin America had been hunting for a new CEO since the Department of Transportation in May approved the carrier's launch on the condition that Reid—a U.S. citizen viewed by the government as too close to foreign investors—vacated his position.

Virgin America chairman and former American Airlines CEO Donald Carty in a statement today said Cush "is the right person to lead Virgin America going forward," as the carrier moves from "a promising start-up to a major carrier."

Cush spent 20 years with American Airlines in various roles and also held the COO position at Aerolineas Argentinas, Argentina's national carrier.

"Since inaugurating service in August, Virgin America has already redefined the U.S. airline market with its breakthrough innovations and great guest service," Cush today said in a statement. "Fred and the whole Virgin America team have created a very different kind of airline—one that has been met with widespread public praise. I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to join this extraordinary team."

A spokesperson said American has not yet named a replacement for Cush.