BURLINGAME, Calif. and ENGLEWOOD, Colo., July 20, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- U.S. start-up airline Virgin America and EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) today introduced the 18 channel programming package that will give passengers access to live in-flight satellite entertainment (IFE).
The channel line-up includes a mix of popular networks featuring sports, music and general entertainment programming, including: Independent Film Channel, CNBC, Arts & Entertainment, Black Entertainment Television, Cable News Network, The Discovery Channel, Entertainment Television, FX, The Food Network, The Travel Channel, Bravo, ESPN, ESPN NEWS, ESPN Classic, ESPN2, SiTV, USA Network, and Cartoon Network.
"We hope that our Red In-flight Entertainment system will provide a fresh, easy-to-use and personalized entertainment experience for our guests, and DISH Network(tm)'s participation will allow us to deliver the type of full-spectrum, interactive experience that we want for our customers," said Charles Ogilvie, Virgin America's Director of In-flight Entertainment & Partnerships. "Our planes will offer more than just a static channel line-up: with this partnership, every guest at every seat will have access to the wide variety of entertainment choices that are available to them on the ground."
"The closer Virgin America gets to launch, the more excited we are," said Mark Jackson, President of EchoStar Technologies. "DISH Network is proud to join forces with Virgin America to unveil this unique in-flight channel line-up."
San Francisco-based Virgin America is a next generation low-fare carrier, with a host of innovative guest features and services aimed at bringing a little fun back to flying -- including mood-lit cabins, custom-designed leather seats and the most advanced personal in-flight entertainment system in the domestic airline market.
In addition to live DISH Network satellite TV, the airline will offer customers 'pay-per-view' movies, a wide array of audio music entertainment, including the ability to compile individual audio playlists, a broad selection of popular electronic games, and meals on-demand. Virgin America will begin service to New York's JFK airport, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on August 8th.
About Virgin America:
As San Francisco's hometown airline, Virgin America will serve as many as seven cities within a year of operation, and up to 30 cities within five years. Virgin America's brand-new planes will offer guests interactive in-flight entertainment systems, plugs for laptops and other portable electronic devices, the ability to order food or chat with other guests from their own video-screen and a host of other features aimed at bringing a little fun back to flying. To learn more about Virgin America visit: www.virginamerica.com
The Virgin America logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2371
About EchoStar Communications Corporation:
EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) has been a leader for more than 26 years in satellite TV equipment sales and support worldwide. The Company's DISH Network(tm) is the fastest-growing pay-TV provider in the country since 2000 and currently serves more than 13.4 million satellite TV customers. DISH Network offers a premier line of industry-leading Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) and hundreds of video and audio channels as well as the most national HD and International channels in the U.S., Interactive TV, Latino and sports programming. DISH Network also provides a variety of package and price options including the lowest all-digital price in America and the DishDVR Advantage Package. EchoStar is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 300 company. Visit www.echostar.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474) for more information.