Sorry Alaska, Virgin America IS American
As much as Alaska Airlines did not want to hear it, the Department of Transportation ruled on Friday that Virgin America remains a US citizen and is under the active control of US citizens. The ruling re-affirms its 2007 certification when the carrier first applied to begin service. DoT also dismissed petitions by Alaska Airlines and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association for a pubic inquiry into Virgin American’s citizenship suggesting that Virgin Chair Sir Richard Branson exerted too much control over the Burlingame, CA-based carrier.
