Discount Airline Virgin America Says Atlanta Tops on Expansion List ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - Virgin America is a baby by airline standards, started just two years ago. Mostly owned by British billionaire Richard Branson, the airline is known for its hip aircraft and low fares.

Virgin executives announced Tuesday service between California and Ft. Lauderdale, marking just the 10th city it serves. But airline spokeswoman Abby Lunardini says expanding to Hartsfield-Jackson is a top priority.

"Atlanta is certainly on that list, and it's obviously a world-class destination for business and leisure travel, and it's certainly close to the top of our list."

Lunardini says Virgin America's next expansion will likely come next year. And its arrival here could send hometown giants Delta and AirTran scrambling.

Virgin's fares to the West Coast are often less than a hundred bucks, and Travel + Leisure Magazine has twice named it "Best Domestic Airline."

Jim Burress, WABE News.
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