New low cost carrier Virgin America has been granted final approval to start US domestic services.
The green light from the US Department of Transportation means the carrier is looking for a mid-summer launch from its San Francisco base.
The first flights will be to New York, followed by Los Angeles, Washington/Dulles, San Diego and Las Vegas within the first year.
The airline expects to serve as many as 10 US cities within a year of launch and up to 30 within five years.
Following DoT approval, the next step is to seek a waiver to start selling tickets.
The DoT’s final approval has been contigent on the airline accepting several additional conditions, including a requirement that CEO Fred Reid steps down following the launch. He will be permitted to stay on for six months following airline certification.
The DoT found that the company complied with all requirements rearding fitness, US citizenship and control.
Reid said: “This has been quite a journey but I’m truly happy to be able to launch our airline. I plan to spend every minute of my time between now and then supporting my 200-plus talented teammates in that endeavour.
“When I said it was never about one person, I meant it. Virgin America has a wonderful team who will take this airline to great heights, bringing exciting innovation and competition.”
by Phil Davies
