Virgin America arrives in San Diego!

Special Edition: February 12, 2008

Your source for quick information about what's happening at San Diego International Airport (SDIA) and the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

Virgin America gets a warm San Diego welcome
SDIA's newest airline offers hip, nonstop service between San Diego and San Francisco

Below, Virgin Group Founder and Chairman Sir Richard Branson waves to greeters upon arrival at San Diego International Airport.

Below, from left, Branson, Virgin America President and CEO David Cush, Airport Authority Board Chairman Alan Bersin and San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders.

Virgin America arrives in San Diego

Today marked the arrival of a brand new airline to San Diego International Airport -- Virgin America. Virgin America's inaugural flight from San Francisco to San Diego carried with it Virgin Group Founder and Chairman Sir Richard Branson and Virgin America President and CEO David Cush. Upon landing at SDIA, the Virgin America plane was greeted by a water cannon salute, as well as San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, Airport Authority Board Chairman Alan Bersin and Airport Authority President/CEO Thella F. Bowens.

Virgin America's new service to San Diego will bring more than 100,000 visitors to the region each year ... adding up to more than $40 million annually to the good of the regional economy.

These pictures capture a taste of the Virgin America's warm welcome in San Diego.

Your Airport Authority

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority was established by state law in 2003 to operate SDIA and address the region's long-term air transportation needs. SDIA - funded through user fees and not local taxes - served some 18.3 million passengers in 2007. For more information, visit www.san.org.