Virgin America cleared for US takeoff

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2007

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The US government said Friday it had cleared Virgin America Airlines for take off in American skies after the carrier reformed its links to British billionaire Richard Branson's Virgin Group.

The decision by the US Department of Transportation (DoT) is a victory for Virgin America's bid to start offering domestic flights across America and follows a knockback in December when the US authorities rebuffed the airline's bid to get off the ground.

"The US Department of Transportation today announced that it has issued an order granting Virgin America Airlines the authority to begin operation as a US carrier, after the company agreed to take steps needed to meet airline requirements," the DoT said.

Virgin America's final approval came after the...