Partners Unveil Customized 'Entourage Air' Aircraft and Launch 'Entourage Class' on New Non-Stop Route Entourage Cast & Sir Richard Branson Kick-off Route with Hangar Party, First-Ever In-flight Advance Screening
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Virgin America and HBO today will
launch the airline's new non-stop route from John F. Kennedy International
Airport (JFK) to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) and unveil
"Entourage Class" on the new flights. A custom Virgin America Airbus A320
"Entourage Air" will take center stage at a star-studded send-off event before
embarking on the inaugural flight, which will feature the in-flight advance
screening of the first episode of Entourage Season 5 (premiering on HBO on
Sunday, September 7).
Virgin Group Founder and Chairman Sir Richard Branson, Entourage Creator
and Executive Producer Doug Ellin, and cast members Adrian Grenier, Jerry
Ferrara, Kevin Dillon, and Kevin Connolly will kick off the event by
christening the new aircraft with Dom Perignon. Flight guests (including top
Elevate frequent fliers) will walk the red carpet to board "Entourage Air" for
two memorable firsts: the first-ever in-flight advance screening of a cable
or broadcast program in the U.S. and Virgin America's first non-stop service
from JFK to LAS.
"At a time when many U.S. carriers are cutting routes and amenities, we're
pleased to be adding flights to world-class destinations like LAS and winning
awards for our upscale design, entertainment and service. We thought it was
fitting to launch our non-stop flights from New York to the entertainment
capital of the world, with HBO content fleet-wide and "Entourage Class"
service in First Class," said Virgin America President and CEO David Cush. "As
an airline hoping to reinvent U.S. air travel, we're proud to enter this
unique partnership with HBO, a company famous for redefining its own genre
with edgy, award-winning content like Entourage."
During September, First Class guests on Virgin America's new non-stop
JFK-LAS route will fly "Entourage Class"* and receive A-List perks like noise
canceling headphones, champagne, Godiva chocolates, Kiehl's Since 1851 travel
kits, Altoids Mints and "Entourage Air" blankets and eye masks. The hangar
event will include a full-service cocktail bar and a champagne bar sponsored
by Dom Perignon.
"With this groundbreaking promotion, we've created a unique, aspirational
experience that will give guests a taste of the Entourage lifestyle and allow
them to sample the series through Virgin's ultra-modern in-flight
entertainment system," said Courteney Monroe, Executive Vice President of
Consumer Marketing at HBO.
The unveiling of "Entourage Air" and the JFK-LAS route will kick-off of a
larger licensing partnership between HBO and Virgin America, allowing the
airline to offer premium HBO content on RED, its interactive, in-flight
entertainment system from Sept. 5, 2008 - October 2009. To mark the Season 5
premiere of Entourage, the partners are bringing the hit series to skies with
free episodes for all guests on RED fleet-wide in September.
Upon touchdown in Las Vegas, airport leadership and the Las Vegas
Convention & Visitors Authority will fete guests at the arrival gate in true
Las Vegas fashion: with a traditional water cannon salute, showgirls,
champagne, and much fanfare. Guests will receive VIP travel from CLS Las
Vegas to Palms Casino Resort, where the N9NE Group will host an after-party
for "Entourage Air" guests at the Playboy Club that evening.
"We're pleased that Las Vegas was the destination chosen for Virgin
America's latest new route," said Terry Jicinsky, Senior Vice President of
Marketing, LVCVA. "We applaud the creative collaboration between the airline
and HBO on the creation of "Entourage Class" service. It's a perfect fit for
Las Vegas, which is a place people come to get away from the everyday -- they
might even feel like celebrities themselves."
Virgin America and HBO are also launching the "Entourage Air" Live It!
Sweepstakes**, featuring a VIP trip for four to Las Vegas that includes $5000,
First Class tickets on Virgin America, a stay at Palms Casino Resort One-Story
Sky Villa-Fantasy Tower, Palms spa treatments and more. For more information,
including instruction on how to win, visit: http://www.entourageairliveit.com
Virgin America flies to seven cities, including: SFO to LAX, SFO to JFK,
SFO to SAN, SFO to IAD, SFO to LAS, SFO to SEA, LAX to JFK, LAX to IAD, LAX to
SEA, and now non-stop flights from JFK to LAS. Virgin America's JFK-LAS fares
start at $159 one way in Main Cabin and $744 one way in First Class. ***
Marketing agency Civic Entertainment Group, New York, handles the campaign
for HBO and crafted the partnership with Virgin America.
Media Contact: Abby Lunardini (650) 533-7576 /
abby.lunardini@virginamerica.com
About Virgin America: Launched in August 2007, Virgin America is a
California-based airline that offers guests attractive fares and a host of
innovative features aimed at reinventing air travel. Virgin America's base of
operations is San Francisco International Airport's ultra-modern and
convenient International Terminal. The airline's new Airbus A320-family
aircraft offer interactive in-flight entertainment systems and power outlets
for laptops and other electronic gear. In July 2008, Virgin America was named
"Best Domestic Airline" in Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards. In Zagat's
2007 Global Airlines Survey, the airline was ranked #1 among U.S. carriers for
quality in First/Business Class and #2 in Main Cabin. The airline's brand new
fleet is 30 percent more fuel efficient than the average domestic fleet. To
learn more: http://www.virginamerica.com
About HBO Entourage: From executive producers Mark Wahlberg, Stephen
Levinson, Doug Ellin, Rob Weiss and Denis Biggs, HBO's award-winning, hit
comedy series ENTOURAGE draws on the experiences of industry insiders, and
stars Adrian Grenier as Vince, who is enjoying life in the limelight as a hot
young actor; Kevin Connolly as Eric, Vince's manager, who tries to help him
make the right choices; Kevin Dillon as Vince's half-brother Drama, whose own
career has been eclipsed by Vince's success; Jerry Ferrara as Turtle, the
least savvy of the group; and Golden Globe(R) and two-time Emmy(R) winner
Jeremy Piven as Ari, who serves as Vince's aggressive, high-powered agent.
* Terms & Conditions: Must be a valid first class ticket holder on
JFK-LAS flight during period of Sept. 4 -- October 1, 2008 to receive
partner products on Entourage Class. Virgin America and HBO reserve
the right to discontinue the promotion on any flight, at any time.
Headphones and blankets are samples only -- guests will be required to
leave them on the plane.
** No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited. Open to residents of the
48 contiguous U.S. & D.C., 21 or older. All entries must be received
by 10/1/08.
*** Terms & Conditions: Requires seven day advance purchase for Tuesday,
Wednesday and Saturday travel.
SOURCE Virgin America
