Virgin America
Virgin America was a US airline launched in 2007, acquired by Alaska Air Group in 2016 and integrated into Alaska Airlines’ passenger-facing operations in 2018. It was separate from Virgin AtlanticVirgin AtlanticVirgin Atlantic is a British airline founded by Richard Branson in 1984, providing long-haul passenger and cargo services. It operates a transatlantic joint venture with Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM, joined SkyTeam in 2023 and appointed Josh Bayliss chair in 2026.Open the full entry and Virgin AustraliaVirgin AustraliaVirgin Australia is an Australian airline group launched as Virgin Blue in 2000 and rebranded in 2011. Following administration and acquisition by Bain Capital in 2020, it returned to public markets in 2025, when Qatar Airways Group acquired a 25% interest, diluted to 23.4% at the IPO.Open the full entry.
Contents5 sections
Key facts
2007Launch of the US airline
Virgin America launched in 2007, building on West Coast markets including San Francisco and serving US domestic and selected international routes. Its US operator was distinct from other Virgin airlines.[1]
December 14, 2016Alaska completes acquisition
Alaska Air Group completed the acquisition on December 14, 2016, expanding its West Coast network. At closing, Virgin America’s brand and service initially continued while longer-term branding was assessed.[1]
April 25, 2018Passenger-facing brand integration
Los Angeles International Airport’s notice specified that Virgin America would become Alaska Airlines on April 25, 2018, with changes to check-in areas and signage. This ended Virgin America’s separate passenger-facing brand operation.[2]
Related Organizations, Websites, and Public Accounts
Virgin America: Official link: https://www.alaskaair.com/ (opens in a new window).[1]
Virgin Australia: Official link: https://www.virginaustralia.com/ (opens in a new window).[1][3]
Richard BransonRichard BransonRichard Branson is a British entrepreneur and founder of Virgin Group. Beginning with a youth magazine and mail-order records, he expanded into aviation, leisure, telecommunications, finance and commercial spaceflight. He also founded Virgin Unite and is known for ballooning expeditions and his 2021 suborbital flight.Open the full entry: Official link: https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/richard-branson (opens in a new window).[1][4]
Virgin Atlantic: Official link: https://www.virginatlantic.com/ (opens in a new window).[1][5]
Virgin GroupVirgin GroupVirgin Group is an investment and brand group originating in the record business established by Richard Branson and Nik Powell in 1970. Its network spans aviation, travel, hospitality, health, telecommunications, finance and spaceflight. Virgin-branded businesses have distinct ownership and operating arrangements.Open the full entry: Official link: https://www.virgin.com/ (opens in a new window).[1][6]
Sources
- Alaska Air Group closes acquisition of Virgin America, becomes the 5th largest U.S. airline (opens in a new window)
- AIRLINE MERGER (opens in a new window)
- Virgin Australia (opens in a new window)
- Richard Branson (opens in a new window)
- Virgin Atlantic (opens in a new window)
- Virgin Group (opens in a new window)