Right after the announcement of a massive order of new planes, Virgin America has confirmed to the Chicago Tribune that they want to start flying to Chicago in 2011.
The airline had originally planned to start O’Hare routes back in 2008, but a gate shortage forced them to shelve those plans.
According to Chicago Breaking Business news, they are negotiating terms with the city of Chicago for a “economically Viable” deal which could mean flights in early 2011.
Speaking from his Caribbean island, Sir Richard Branson said he was happy to celebrate his 60th birthday with an order of 60 new planes – and it isn’t often that you treat yourself to a $3.3 Billion birthday present. Happy birthday Sir Richard, fingers crossed you make it O’Hare to launch your new routes next year!
Update: We reached out to Virgin America for confirmation, and have been told that they are indeed “hoping to bring their unique, low fare service there in the first half of 2011.”
Spokeswoman Abby Lunardini added one other piece of interesting information – Chicago is top of the list of requested destinations by members of the Elevate Frequent Flyer program.