Virgin America headed for O’Hare
Found this in my email in box this morning. Have been waiting for Virgin America to get here….
San Francisco – February 17, 2011 – Virgin America, the California-based airline that is reinventing domestic travel, today announces it will bring its low-fare, upscale service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), with daily nonstop flights from both Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) starting May 25, 2011. Known for its beautifully designed cabins and high-tech amenities, Virgin America has been winning over consumers and sweeping the major travel awards since its August 2007 launch – including capturing the “Best Domestic Airline” title in both Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards and Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards for the past three consecutive years. With legacy airlines representing 98 percent of domestic departures at ORD, Virgin America hopes to inject some healthy competition into the market.
“Until today, travelers flying from O’Hare to SFO or LAX had little choice and few low fare options. With unrivalled service and new planes that look like nothing else in the skies, we hope our flights will be a breath of fresh air for Chicago travelers,” said Virgin America President and Chief Executive Officer David Cush. “When more airlines compete, consumers tend to win – with lower fares and better service. Mayor Daley and the airport have shown tremendous vision by investing in ORD’s future and by helping to open up access to new competition.”
Virgin America originally announced its intent to serve ORD in 2008, but its plans were delayed due to gate availability. Through the leadership provided by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and ORD Airport Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino, the airline reached an agreement to occupy gate space at ORD’s now vacated Concourse L.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Virgin America to Chicago O’Hare,” said Mayor Daley. “O’Hare is one of the world’s busiest travel hubs, and our air transport infrastructure continues to play a critical role in our region’s economic future. New airline service stimulates travel demand and job growth – and is a powerful economic driver, especially when linking major business centers like Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Our investment to help bring new airline competition to ORD will not only stimulate economic growth, it will directly benefit travelers by lowering fares and improving service.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Virgin America to O’Hare,” said Airport Commissioner Andolino. “Our passengers will see a big benefit from the increased competition and from Virgin America’s low fare, innovative service.”
Virgin America’s Main Cabin ORD fares start from $ 99*(restrictions, taxes and fees applying) and are on sale today on the airline’s Web site (www.virginamerica.com) and at 1.877.FLY.VIRGIN (1.877.359.8474).** To kick off its new Windy City service, the airline is teaming up with the Chicago-based Groupon for today’s Featured Deal that will give Groupon subscribers in Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco the chance to purchase a $ 7 Groupon good for $ 77 in air fare for a roundtrip purchase on Virgin America’s new ORD routes.*** When more than 25 people accept the offer, thousands of Groupon customers will score an incredible deal on the airline’s new ORD flights. The offer for travel on the tech-forward new airline is the first Featured Deal that Groupon has launched solely for air travel. For more, visit: http://www.groupon.com/deals/virgin-america-chicago