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Virgin America Jonesing for Some Slots in the O.C.

Sir Richard's freaky styley new airline Virgin America is in the news yet again this week, as it seeks to expand its service across the country. Just days after getting the Heisman from United, American, and Delta - who refused to give up any gates at Chicago's O'Hare airport - and announcing new service to Boston, Virgin America now has its sights on John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California. Although nothing's yet set in stone, airport officials say that the airline is considering adding five flights a day between John Wayne and San Francisco International Airport, where it is based. If all goes well, flights could begin as early as April, 2009. With the airline industry suffering from lackluster demand of late, it remains to be seen if the route will be a big moneymaker. But one thing's for sure: Virgin America is on the attack, working its way into markets long controlled by the legacy carriers. We can't imagine entering a business where margins are razor-thin and million-dollar losses are commonplace, but it makes sense that Virgin America is playing relentless offense in a down market. Who knows, when all the dust clears and the economy is once again ship shape, Virgin America may find itself on the top of the heap.

[Photo: crunchgear.com]

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