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TRAVEL BLOG

8.9.07

Virgin America Debuts With ‘Party-Like Atmosphere’

Richard Branson’s long-awaited and much-anticipated Virgin America airlines took to the air for a heavily-documented first outing yesterday. The flight from New York City to San Francisco was delayed 15 minutes by bad weather—the storms caused guest of honor Stephen Colbert, who the plane was named after, to miss the christening ceremony, too—but reports from the air were favorable.

From USA Today’s Ben Mutzabaugh:

In the spirit of the ceremonial flight, a party-like atmosphere extended throughout the plane. CEO Fred Reid and Virgin Group chief Richard Branson spent part of the flight chatting in row 3, immediately behind the bulkhead. Throughout the back of the plane, people milled about chatting and drinking champagne.

Another big hit, according to Mutzabaugh: Virgin’s “Red” entertainment system. He has extensive coverage of it and the flight at his Today in the Sky blog.

Jaunted’s Mark Johnson shot some video from the cabin and interviewed David Loewy, who paid $5,400 in an eBay auction for the privilege of joining the first flight.

Photo via Virgin America.

Posted by Michael Yessis • 8.9.07
Categories: Weblog • Air Travel

Permalink • Comments (1)

COMMENTS

Hi,

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By on 8.11.07 at 12:12 PM