Virgin launches service at Logan
Virgin America, the California-based discount airline, will launch service at Logan Airport starting Feb. 12 with service to San Francisco and Los Angeles.
"Boston is a great fit for us when you look at our business strategy. We link major urban centers, and there are a lot of ties between Boston and the San Francisco in terms of tech fields, medicine, education,'' said David Cush, president and chief executive of Virgin America.
Virgin’s announcement comes three days after it said that it would suspend plans to fly out of Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, the latest in a series of recent setbacks to the company’s aggressive growth plans.
Virgin is planning two daily flights from Logan to San Francisco International and three to Los Angeles, with main cabin rates starting at $149 one way, $570 in the main cabin premium service, and $999 in first class. Tickets are now on sale on the airline's website.
Cush said, it was the decision to turn away from Chicago that opened the door to initiating service at Logan.
"When it came time to look at pulling the plug on Chicago, we got in touch with the people at Logan, and they were able to work out a nice offer of arrangements for us,'' he said.
While the airline’s focus is on business travel, Virgin has also found favor with many leisure travelers owing to its newer planes, hip interior designs and mood lighting, and its luxury approach to lower-fare travel, which features leather seats, satellite TV, on-demand movies, streaming radio, and selection of MP3 music files. It also plans offer WiFi on all its aircraft by spring 2009.
Yesterday’s announcement met with approval from state and municipal officials. “This new service links two global leaders in the innovative economy with daily flights from Massachusetts to California,’’ said Governor Deval Patrick. “Given the challenging national economy, this is an important endorsement of the economic power of Massachusetts.’’
“Virgin America is a great match for Boston and we are happy to welcome them,’’ said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “Linking Boston to Los Angeles and San Francisco is not only important for tourism, but also for the innovative businesses we share, such as venture capital, high technology and biotech. This service will make business easier.’’
Virgin, whose operational base is at San Francisco International Airport, began service in August 2007 with ambitious plans to be in as many as ten cities within its first year and up to 30 in five years. It was the brainchild of British billionaire Richard Branson, who is a minority investor in the carrier and has licensed the Virgin brand to the company, but is barred by US law from owning or controlling it.
Virgin currently serves San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, San Diego, and Seattle. Boston will be it’s eighth city. (By Paul Makishima, Globe staff)
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