US low-fare carrier Virgin America is to increase its presence at Palm Spring International Airport this winter with a new weekly seasonal service from New York John F Kennedy. The Saturday flight will start on December 22, 2012 and operate every week until April 30, 2013. It will complement the airline’s existing seasonal daily link to Palm Springs from San Francisco. Palm Springs and the other cities that make up the region, is the ultimate destination for outdoor adventure, arts and culture, gaming and entertainment.
“Since entering these Palm Springs markets, we’ve seen strong demand for our unique flight service. We’re pleased to be expanding in the market and offering a new nonstop option for travelers coming from New York to the desert this winter,” said John MacLeod, Senior Vice President of Planning and Sales, Virgin America.
The airline launched flights to Palm Springs in December 2011 and alongside the link from San Francisco has been offering “same plane” services from New York via the Californian city. In the first half of this year an estimated 72,000 O&D passengers travelled between Palm Springs and San Francisco and approximately 5,000 between Palm Springs and New York JFK.
“Virgin America’s upscale flight service is a perfect match for travelers visiting our region,” according to Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet. “We’re pleased to see the airline spread its wings and expand here. The new JFK service will be the only non-stop flight to the Northeast from PSP. Virgin America’s decision to grow its presence here is a testament to the appeal of our region as a global destination and the strength of our local tourism economy.”
Since it made its debut at Palm Springs Virgin America has been actively investing in supporting projects and events in the city. Just weeks after launching its service it partnered with the Palm Springs International Film Festival as a premier sponsor. In April 2012 the airline ramped up service during the Coachella Music Festival and hosted unique events for festivalgoers, including a flight with a live DJ spinning from the back of the aircraft.
“Virgin America’s fresh approach to travel is obviously striking a chord with travelers headed to and from the Coachella Valley,” said Scott White, President and CEO of Greater Palm Springs CVB. “Virgin America’s added commitment to our region will help lower fares and improve service in our market, allowing more travelers to enjoy all that our dynamic region has to offer.”
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