DFW International Airport Honored by Virgin America With Aircraft Christened "DFW One"

(DFW AIRPORT, TX – April 6, 2011) – Virgin America has honored DFW International Airport by christening its newest Airbus A320 aircraft with the name “DFW One” emblazoned on its nose. The aircraft made its inaugural visit to the Airport today, and was celebrated with a DFW Department of Public Safety “shower of affection” and a grand welcome from Airport staff.

“Everyone here at DFW is delighted to have a flying ambassador such as “DFW One” named in our honor,” said Jeff Fegan, CEO of DFW International Airport. “This is just a tremendous gesture by our valued partners at Virgin America, and an indication of the terrific level of partnership that our two organizations have reached in a relatively short time working together.”

Virgin America CEO David Cush cited the outstanding partnership between the airline and the Airport, and the DFW Airport staff in working with the Virgin America team to launch the airline’s new service in December, as its reasons for christening an aircraft in honor of the Airport.

“Truly, my staff cannot stop complimenting everyone on your team for their professionalism, talent and commitment to expanding airline service for Texas travelers,” Mr. Cush wrote in a letter to Mr. Fegan. “This new aircraft will be a permanent addition to Virgin America’s growing fleet – and a lasting testament to both DFW’s friendship and your progressive leadership.”

The christening of “DFW One” is the first such honor Virgin America has bestowed on an airport, and it joins a tradition of aircraft naming by the renowned carrier. For example, Virgin America christened the Airbus A320 used for its August 2007 inaugural flight as “Jefferson Airplane,” after the famous San Francisco rock band. Other notable aircraft names in the Virgin America fleet include “California Dreaming,” “Contents May Be Under Pressure” and “My Other Ride’s A Spaceship.”

“DFW One” came off the assembly line at the Airbus Industrie plant in Toulouse, France in late February, and was delivered to Virgin America in early March for final preparations for daily service.

As with all Virgin America aircraft, “DFW One” features mood-lit cabins, standard power outlets near every seat, leather seating and the Red™ in-flight entertainment platform.

The aircraft bears the registration tail number N838VA, and seats 146 passengers.