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V Australia Makes Red Carpet Debut at LAX

On an atypical rainy day in Los Angeles, we ventured out to the Flight Path Learning Center and Museum at the Los Angeles International Airport to witness the arrival of the much-anticipated Virgin Australia 777.

This bird will be making its first official flight from Sydney to LAX and back on February 27th and us travel geeks were practically frothing at the mouth as we awaited an inside look at her. Of course, we had to wait for Sir Richard Branson to show up first.

He arrived on the plane (which flew down from Seattle) a little past three just as the rain was starting up again. Weather, however, does not delay this high-flying billionaire. Branson, along with CEO Brett Godfrey and flight attendants rolled out a red carpet on the wing and promptly popped some champagne.

Later at the press conference, Branson continued to amp up the crowd by announcing not only flights from LAX to Melbourne (starting in September) but also Johannesburg to Sydney.

Once the media frenzy died down, we were able to get a tour of the three different classes on board V Australia. Our initial reaction? If you can afford business, your 14-hour flight to Sydney will probably pass in a state of relaxed bliss, helped along either by the fully reclining seats, the drinks from the business class bar, the personal TVs or the food coma from the meals served.

If you're in premium, life will just be comfortable with 38" of leg room and leather seats. In coach, well, it's a good thing Virgin Australia has the RED in-flight entertainment system. But you should bring along your Lunesta prescription just in case.

More pics and video after the jump.