VirginUSA

[bafanguy]

Anybody been contacted by this startup outfit yet ? There was a bit of flurry two months ago but now no one's had much to say.

[varigflier]

Are they the ones who will be operating 747s?? If yes then they posted on climbto350 a few days ago.

[bafanguy]

No, this is a startup carrier using A320's based in SFO.

[varigflier]

There is another carrier trying to start up but they don't have a name yet. I thought it might be the same one but I guess not.

[pilotusa]

VirginUSA is officially VirginAmerica.

They will be operationally based in SFO, but their HQ is in Manhattan (NYC.) Go figure.

I don't believe they have any intention of beginning flight ops before 2nd or 3rd quarter 2005. It will be an A320 operation.

As I understand it, Sir Richard Branson (and the Virgin Group) is not directly involved with the company right now (US laws restricting foreign control of domestic airlines,) but the company licenses the Virgin brand. I suspect Sir Richard will have some say as to how HIS brand is operated.

Their HQ is a bare-bones operation in an obscure little office building on Broadway in SoHo. The people there have been very friendly on the two occasions I visited. Last time the receptionist said that they have a large stack of pilot resumes already, but none had even been looked at (this was the first week in August.)

Their website is www.virginamerica.com. Last time I check it the site was very nicely done, but very short on information. They did say that eventually one could apply on the website. Their address is also posted on the website for anyone who wishes to add their resume to the stack.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

[pilotusa]

Heard this week that VirginAmerica is making overtures to A320 instructor pilots and check airmen. Sounds like maybe they are getting serious.