Virgin America will disappear into Alaska Airlines in 2019

[brooklynite]

Source: Los Angeles Times

Virgin America, the California-based carrier with the blue mood lighting and high-tech entertainment system, will be fully absorbed by Alaska Airlines by the end of 2019 as Alaska strives to become the West Coast’s dominant airline.

Only three months after Alaska Airlines’ parent company completed the $2.6-billion acquisition of the popular upstart airline launched by billionaire Richard Branson, Alaska Air Group says it will retire the Virgin America brand.

Since the purchase, Alaska Air Group has operated the two carriers as separate subsidiary airlines, with the ultimate goal of combining their forces to compete against bigger air rivals.

“We are going to be able to create a real, strong, integrated airline for travelers on the West Coast,” said Andrew Harrison, chief commercial officer for Alaska Airlines.

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-virgin-america-ends-20170322-story.html

[mahatmakanejeeves]

1. I flew Horizon a lot back in 1993 and 1994.

I always enjoyed the experience.

I thought about buying the stock back in 2000 or 2001. I wish I had gone ahead and done that.

[defacto7]

2. Isn't Alaska airlines the one that makes you pray

a Christian prayer when you eat a meal? There's this card on your tray with a prayer on it. I always found that ironic.... an airline that thinks you should pray. Actually, it always ticked me off that they forced their particular religion on you so I never flew their airline again. Millions of flight miles later I don’t regret it.

[rdmtimp]

3. Huhh?

I flew Alaska from Phoenix to Portland and back in 2010 and I don't recall any kind of prayer.

You sure this wasn't some rouge captain or stewardess?

[hack89]

4. They ended that practice in 2012

http://www.seattletimes.com/business/alaska-airlines-to-stop-handing-out-prayer-cards-to-passengers/

[defacto7]

7. Well it shows how long it's been since I flew

on Alaska Prayerline... I mean airline.

[ucrdem]

5. "The new company name will be

Former Virgin Airways."

[Blue_Tires]

6. k+r