Saturday, December 16, 2023
Virgin America, born in 2004 under the Virgin Group’s banner, aimed to revolutionize domestic air travel with a focus on customer enjoyment. Headquartered in Burlingame, California, the airline cultivated a devoted following by offering a distinctive fusion of style, amenities, and services. These encompassed plush leather seats, mood-enhancing cabin lighting, premium entertainment systems with a vast selection of audiovisual content, full-course dining, and affable, casually attired flight and ground staff. Virgin America’s primary emphasis was on providing exceptional economy-class services, while still delivering competitive first-class luxuries. The airline’s flight crews were renowned for fostering a lively, relaxed, and enjoyable in-flight ambiance, reminiscent of earlier California carriers like PSA (Pacific Southwest Airlines) and Hughes Airwest.
Operating under the IATA (International Air Transport Association) code VX, Virgin America took to the skies in 2007, with branding licensed from Sir Richard Branson’s UK-based Virgin Group. Located at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the airline maintained a fleet of narrow-body Airbus aircraft capable of medium-to-long-range flights, connecting major coastal cities, as well as Dallas, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and destinations in Hawai’i and Mexico. At its zenith, Virgin America served thirty-one destinations and amassed numerous accolades from both industry professionals and travelers, including the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Award and Travel + Leisure’s Top Domestic Airline, an honor held for an impressive ten consecutive years.
In 2018, after eleven years of operation, Virgin America ceased operations due to its acquisition by Alaska Airlines. Many devoted patrons mourned the departure of Virgin America, but its legacy endures within the collections of the SFO Museum. Through generous donations from former customers, Virgin America employees, and Alaska Airlines, the airline’s heritage will be safeguarded for future generations to study, experience, and celebrate. Furthermore, many of Virgin America’s pioneering concepts continue to shape the industry, not only through Alaska Airlines but also by influencing other carriers. This exhibition pays homage to the beloved San Francisco Bay Area-based airline, showcasing an array of artifacts, including flight and ground crew uniforms and accessories, in-flight service items, promotional materials, equipment, photographs, and memorabilia.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
