SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 20, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Virgin America today thanked the almost 8,000 frequent fliers taking Zagat's 2007 Global Airlines Survey who ranked America's newest airline number one for overall quality in First/Business Class and second among all domestic carriers for overall quality in the Main Cabin. Virgin America was also recognized by Zagat's as among the top five airlines with the best U.S. web site, coming in at number four.
"We launched this August with the goal of creating a different kind of airline: one with low fares, great service and some cool, new features that we hope people actually like -- instead of an experience they dread," said Virgin America Chief Executive Officer Fred Reid. "So, we are absolutely thrilled and humbled that guests are pleased with the quality of our product and it is especially wonderful to be so well received by those who fly the most -- frequent fliers."
Since launching service on August 8, 2007, Virgin America has received the Arthur Frommer's 2007 Extra Mile Award, which celebrates the best new travel values. The airline was also recognized as the most popular choice for "new airlines" that people want to try in Tripadvisor's 2008 Annual Travel Survey. In addition, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce awarded Virgin America its 2007 Excellence in Business -- Economic Development Award for generating innovation and job growth in the region.
"These awards are certainly not a finish line," Reid said. "It shows that we are moving in the right direction, but our goal from the start was to design an airline by listening to what people want when they fly. Guest input will continue to be critical to our success and this is why we have e-suggestion boxes at every seat through our inflight entertainment system. We're actually implementing some of the suggestions we heard from the guests on our very first flights in August."
About Virgin America:
As California's only hometown airline, Virgin America will serve as many as 10 cities within its first year of operation and up to 30 cities within five years. Virgin America's brand-new Airbus A320 family aircraft offer guests their own interactive inflight entertainment systems, plugs for laptops and other portable electronic devices, the ability to order food or chat with other guests from their own video touch-screen and a host of other features aimed at bringing a little fun back to flying. The airline has 31 airplanes on order and plans to grow by more than 1000 employees a year. To learn more about Virgin America: www.virginamerica.com
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