02 November 2015

Virgin America Launches Hawai‘i Service

In their own style, Virgin America launched service between SFO and HNL today, with VRD51 making its inaugural flight that arrived to hula dancers, Virgin America flight attendants and HNL Station personnel, and local dignitaries. N281VA "Pineapple Express" [top photo], adorned with a special decal by street artist Si Scott, arrived on Runway 4R, and taxied to the South Hardstands. 

Instead of the festivities held at the gate, the airline chose to hold its inaugural arrival on HNL's South Ramp. Aboard the maiden revenue to Hawai‘i was Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson [above photo], along with Virgin America CEO David Cush. Hawai‘i Governor David Ige was on-hand to greet the flight as well.

After the event was complete, the A320-214 was towed to the main terminal for its return flight to SFO as VRD50.

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