Flyers can now travel in style between Silicon Valley and Austin's 'Silicon Hills' with WiFi on every flight.
SAN FRANCISCO – Virgin America announces it will bring its low-fare, tech-forward flights to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) beginning May 21, 2013. Tickets are on sale already for a daily nonstop roundtrip flight from the carrier’s home base at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to the Texas capital – also known as the “the live music capital of the world.” As the only domestic airline to offer WiFi on every flight, and with features like power outlets and personal touch-screen entertainment platforms at every seat, Virgin America’s flights will offer a fresh new option that will keep travelers connected and productive when journeying between two of the nation’s leading innovation hubs. In addition, the airline announced today it will offer seasonal service from SFO to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) with six nonstop roundtrip flights a week from June 6, 2013, through September 9, 2013.
“Austin and Anchorage present unique opportunities for us to expand our network into areas that demand and deserve increased flight options,” said Virgin America President and CEO David Cush. “Austin and San Francisco share strong cultural and business links, and the addition of Anchorage will allow us to offer seasonal service to one of the most popular outdoor destinations from our home in San Francisco. For the Austin route in particular, Virgin America’s service will provide more options for business travelers who want to stay connected during their journey between Austin and the San Francisco Bay Area. No matter which state their job is based in, guests on Virgin America can stay productive – even at 35,000 feet.”
Connecting flights will be available from Austin to the carrier’s Seattle, San Diego, Los Angeles and Las Vegas destinations. Connecting flights will be available from Anchorage to the carrier’s Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Diego, Chicago and Philadelphia locations. For those travelers interested in both of these new destinations, there will be connectivity from AUS to SFO to ANC.
As the only airline headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and the first and only airline to offer WiFi on every flight, Virgin America has attracted a loyal following of tech-forward flyers since its launch in 2007. The airline’s current #myVXexperience media campaign highlights loyal frequent flyers known for being innovators in their own fields. In 2011, the airline gave one of its aircraft a name with a hashtag – #nerdbird – in a nod to the prevalence of wired travelers on its flights. The airline’s Elevate members have routinely named Austin as a ‘most wanted’ destination within the airline’s growing network. In addition to being the Texas capital, the Austin area is home to the University of Texas at Austin and a robust technology and innovation sector – many Bay Area employers including Apple, Google and Intel have significant presence in the Austin area.
“Austin and the San Francisco Bay Area share deep business ties, especially our world-class innovation and tech sectors. In order to facilitate tourism and subsequently keep Austin the thriving city we’re so proud of, I’ve been stressing for some time that we need more nonstop flights in and out of our airport,” said Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell. “I am pleased to see that Virgin America is adding a nonstop flight to and from the great city of San Francisco, and we welcome them as the newest airline to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. This new service will increase travel demand, offer convenient new options for business and leisure travelers, and spur local economic growth. With Virgin America’s tech-focused features onboard, I think the service will be well-received by Austinites.”
“We are delighted to welcome Virgin America to Anchorage,” said Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Manager John Parrott. “As Alaska’s largest city, it is essential to both our local and state economies that we have ample options when it comes to flying. This additional connectivity will undoubtedly bring economic growth by stimulating both tourism and business travel.”
