Silicon Valley is getting an award-winning airline.
Virgin America announced on Monday that it will begin service from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) starting on May 1. The service will consist of four daily roundtrip flights to Los Angeles (LAX).
“San Jose International Airport is important for Silicon Valley business travelers and it deserves more flight options,” said Virgin America President and CEO David Cush. “As an airline known for amenities that keep travelers connected and productive in the skies, we hope our flights can offer some healthy competition and a better choice for the Bay’s entrepreneurs and business travelers."
“We are grateful to Virgin America for bringing new air service to Silicon Valley,” said San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed. “As an innovator, Virgin America will find great support in the world’s center of innovation. Silicon Valley is leading the country in job creation, and Virgin America’s new service will support our job growth with convenient and efficient air service."
Virgin America will become the fifth airline to offer nonstop flights between SJC and LAX. However, the SFO-based airline will be the first to offer a first class cabin on all flights. The route is currently served by Alaska, American, Southwest and United.
“We are delighted to welcome Virgin America as our newest airline partner and I’m confident they will receive a very warm welcome in San Jose,” said SJC’s Director of Aviation Bill Sherry. “Silicon Valley includes the world’s most tech-savvy frequent fliers who we know will love and embrace Virgin America's unique product and branding; this is a winning combination.”
Virgin America will operate out of SJC's Terminal A. The flight schedule is as follows:
SJC-LAX
SJC 0635 LAX 0745
SJC 0855 LAX 1005
SJC 1450 LAX 1600
SJC 1850 LAX 2000
LAX-SJC
LAX 0700 SJC 0810
LAX 1255 SJC 1405
LAX 1655 SJC 1805
LAX 2045 SJC 2155
With convenient flight times, passengers will be able to connect to other Virgin America destinations, including Fort Lauderdale, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia and Washington DC (IAD).
"Our innovation-based economy here in the Valley is dependent on staying connected," said Silicon Valley Leadership Group President and CEO Carl Guardino. "So we couldn’t be more pleased that Virgin America has decided to offer new nonstop daily flights from SJC. With tech-forward service that is a unique reflection of the airline’s roots here in the Valley, Virgin America is a perfect fit for San Jose."
"We are appreciative of the efforts of Mayor Chuck Reed, Airport Director Bill Sherry and Carl Guardino from the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, who were instrumental in making this happen and who had the vision and persistence to push for increased air service options for San Jose and the South Bay region,” said Cush.
Tickets are available for purchase starting Tuesday.
Since launching service in the summer of 2007, Virgin America has won "Best U.S. Airline" every year in both Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards and Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best Awards.
Comments