19-Mar-2010 12:31 PM
Virgin America thinks big; first international service, to Toronto; expansion to Orlando
Virgin America announced (18-Mar-2010) details of its Summer 2010 network expansion plans that position the new airline for strong growth this year and beyond, as follows:
- Orlando International Airport expansion: plans to serve Orlando International Airport with daily services from both Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport, effective 19-Aug-2010 - see Route Changes Table for more information; [more - Orlando expansion]
- Canada expansion: to serve Toronto Pearson International Airport with daily services from both Los Angeles and San Francisco as early as Jun-2010. The carrier stated it would file an application with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) seeking authority to operate between the US and Canada on 18-Mar-2010. If approved, the service would become the carrier's first international destination;
- Other new services: to announce at least three more destinations in 2010;
- Ending service to John Wayne Airport: to end service to John Wayne Airport effective 26-May-2010, with the capacity to be deferred to the more lucrative Orlando and Toronto long-haul markets. All of Virgin America's employees at John Wayne will be guaranteed equivalent positions at the airline's expanding Los Angeles base or in other areas of its growing operation;
- Fleet plans: six additional aircraft will enter the Virgin America fleet in 2010, with three additional aircraft scheduled for 1Q2010. The carrier added that by this time in 2011, the airline's fleet will have grown by almost one-third;
- Ownership structure: The carrier's new ownership structure has been approved by the US Department of Transportation;
- Outlook: continues to see growing sales, a maturing route network and financial growth. [more]