Virgin America is entering the Denver market for the first time.
The California-based airline announced Tuesday that it will introduce nonstop service to San Francisco March 15.
"We are so pleased to welcome Virgin America to the growing number of airline choices at Denver International Airport,” said airport CEO Kim Day. “We have heard consistently from travelers asking for Virgin America service in Denver, and the carrier’s expansion to the Mile High City means there are now even more options to connect to the West Coast and beyond."
Burlingame, California-based Virgin America said it will fly three times daily in each direction on weekdays and twice daily on weekends. It will fly Airbus A320 aircraft with 149 seats on the route.
Virgin America said that Denver is the largest market that the airline doesn't already serve from its San Francisco International Airport hub. Some 860,000 passengers fly between Denver and San Francisco each year, the airline said.
“Denver is of course a world-class leisure travel destination, but its booming high-tech economy has also made it the No. 1 requested destination by our Silicon Valley-based corporate clients,” said David Cush, Virgin America's president and CEO.
It'll be the first time that the airline has flown into Denver International Airport, DIA spokesman Heath Montgomery said.
"The addition of a new domestic airline to DEN will provide expanded benefits to our community by enhancing our competitive domestic market,” Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said. “Virgin America has shown that it is committed to building relationships with the communities it serves, and we’re excited to welcome them as a partner."
Virgin America is offering an introductory fare on the route starting at $52.80 each way, including taxes and fees.
The fare is being offered for flights booked by 10:59 p.m. MT on Wednesday, Nov. 18 online at virginamerica.com or 1-877-FLY-VIRGIN. Check the website for restrictions.
Despite the similar name and branding, Virgin America Inc. (Nasdaq: VA), founded in 2007, is a separate company from United Kingdom-based Virgin Atlantic, although Richard Branson's Virgin Group group holds a minority stake in the U.S. airline.
The airline offers Wi-Fi, power outlets and touch-screen seatback entertainment on all flights.