Virgin America, the low cost carrier that has been sending tremors through the airline industry, turns one year old today. In celebration, passengers on many of their flights today will be greeted with cake, treats and general merriment, the apparent modus operandi for any VA activity.
Pull up a carpet square as we take a look back at Virgin America over the past year.
2005: Virgin America (Then Virgin USA) secures funding from gazillionaire Richard Branson and submits DOT certificate application to operate in the States.
March 20, 2007: After a long legal battle to receive approval from the DOT, the airline is granted permission to fly.
August 8, 2007: Virgin America begins service on their inaugural flights from San Francisco and Los Angeles to New York City. Airbus A320 aircraft feature advanced in flight entertainment systems and snazzy mood lighting. Hipsters and rejoice and announce that they already flew VA and “it was okay. I mean, we’re kind of over it”.
November 28, 2007: Victoria’s Secret models show up on a New York – Los Angeles flight as the airline celebrates naming an aircraft after the ladies. Drinks, photos and skulduggery ensue at the after party in LA.
February 12, 2008: New service from San Francisco to San Diego is launched with a Valentine’s Day flight and party at The Ivy in SD.
April 8th, 2008: Celebration for the LA-Seattle inaugural brings rockstars, hipsters and lowly bloggers together as the in-flight party continues. Gadling runs into David Cush on the flight who foreshadows some of the coming events.
June 18th, 2008: Superfly Wednesdays kick off as VA offers free drinks on Wednesday flights and further discounts at clubs across the country.
What’s next for Virgin America? Approval for service into Chicago is well underway and hopefully the airline will be offering service to the Midwest soon. The airline also plans to be the first with full wi-fi service fleetwide by the end of the year.
Keep up the good work, Virgin America, and happy birthday.