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Update from the Virgin America JFK-LAS inaugural flight.
Now, in the midst of the debauch we're checking in to update you on how the event is unfolding. Just after 1PM Gadling was asked to show up at hangar 12 right outside of JFK airport, an open air structure with the Virgin America "Entourage Air" A320 parked underneath. Walking up to the gate, two models showed up to escort us down the red carpet towards the hangar, where music was playing, couches were laid out and there were a hundred or so people milling about.
With Champagne, Grey Goose and Bombay Dry flowing freely, the crowd patiently snacked on hors d'oeuvres speculating about the arrival of Branson and the entourage until finally the crew snuck into the back of the aircraft, a few suits made some announcements and the entire lot burst from the front boarding door.
I'm not sure how rehearsed the entire spectacle was – apparently Sir Branson was late getting in – but after they posed for a few photos the entire crew of Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connoly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara and Richard Branson as well as the creator, Doug Ellin came down the steps, grabbed bottles of Champagne and burst them open in front of the port engine. Someone tracked down a microphone for a few nebulous questions, then the cast unfortunately had to leave. Later, Devon, one of the PR associates at Virgin told me that they had tons of events associated with the HBO premier so had to jet out to the city as soon as possible.
As for the hundred or so people in the hangar, however, we were headed to Las Vegas for the after party and some grand old socializing. At 35,000 feet we were privy to another speech from the brass then delighted with a pre-screening of the first episode of this season's Entourage which airs this weekend. With four more hours left to Vegas, we were left to explore own wiles, which is where you'll find me now, tucked under a plush "Entourage Air" blanket.
Supposedly the afterparty takes place at the Playboy club in the Palms. Stay tuned for a full report from the event and all of the juicy pictures!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
dj Sep 5th 2008 5:23AM
Just another example of excess, frivolous behavior
hulls52 Sep 5th 2008 7:57AM
DJ - what an assinine comment- were you at the JFK party or the Vegas party - this is whats called PROMOTION and MARKETING and it was a great send off at JFK - I was lucky enough to be invited and as with everything Richard Branson does it was totally first class all the way - In an industry where most of the carriers suck Virgin America seperates itself from all the rest by leaps and bounds - try flying them and then make a dumbass comment like that
dj Sep 5th 2008 8:04AM
Wouldn't want to be at any of it. Like I said, excessive and wasteful. Typical "hollywood" stuff.
dj Sep 5th 2008 8:08AM
out of curiosity, I "googled" Virgin Atlantic to see what others thought of it since you said "it separates itself from all the rest by leaps and bounds" and found as many negative comments as good ones. So not everyone shares your opinion.
hulls52 Sep 6th 2008 10:36AM
Virgin Atlantic is Branson's airline based in UK that flys to many destinations around the world - Virgin America is a domestic airline in which he is an investor - He is one of the best marketing people going and his airline is way above eveyone else - Jetblue is only one that comes close but they target a differant audiance - try flying them sometime and see what airtravel is all about
lainiek Sep 5th 2008 11:07AM
This is a super smart marketing tie-in between a hot show and a great airline. Tons of Bachelor parties are going to book their flights on "Entourage Air" to Vegas. Starting from JFK, Virgin will get tons of well to do young businessmen looking for an escape. Smart smart smart! Next flight, LA to Cabo?
Willy Sep 5th 2008 11:19AM
Wait -- you're headed to the afterparty at the Playboy mansion?! Pictures, please! ;)
K2727 Sep 5th 2008 12:44PM
Hey DJ, try google VIRGIN AMERICA, since this is the company the article is reporting on. Virgin Atlantic is completely different. There are quite a few airlines around the world with the Virgin Brand.