Low-cost start-up Virgin USA has selected San Francisco airport as its operational base, but will retain New York for its corporate headquarters, following city- and state-funded deals worth at least $26 million. Virgin USA will be the first major low-cost operator at San Francisco since Southwest Airlines moved its services to Oakland in March 2001. The main operator at the airport is United Airlines, which has a hub there. Last month Virgin Group chief executive Richard Branson said the low-cost carrier will be launched early next year. The airline, however, has yet to sign a fleet order or file the necessary paperwork for an air operator's certificate.
Source: Flight International
