Virgin America inches closer to 2006 launch

Josh Roberts believes the best trips involve long hikes and muddy boots. His life goals haven't changed much since he was a kid: He still wants to be Indiana Jones when he grows up.

Follow him on Twitter (@joshwhowrites) and Instagram (@joshwhowrites), and visit his website (joshrobertsbooks.com) or Goodreads page to learn more about his forthcoming novel.

Josh joined SmarterTravel in 2001, and is an active member in both the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

In addition to SmarterTravel, he has written for USA Today, The Boston Globe, Yahoo! Travel, The Huffington Post, Airfarewatchdog, TripAdvisor, Jetsetter, ABC News, Oyster, and Business Insider. His travel photography can be seen in Britain and Ireland's Best Wild Places, published by Penguin UK.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A lacrosse ball. It's small, lightweight, and works wonders on loosening up tight muscles."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Being the first to discover an ancient lost city. Failing that, visiting as many of the already-discovered ancient ruins as possible."

Travel Motto: "Not all those who wander are lost." -J.R.R. Tolkien

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle."

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Startup carrier Virgin America, the latest venture for “rebel billionaire” Richard Branson, inched one step closer to a 2006 launch this week by filing its application to operate with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). While the airline has yet to officially announce its planned launch date, indications from CEO Fred Reid point to a 2006 target.

Virgin America will initially serve the competitive San Francisco/New York route. According to a story by Roger Wu in yesterday’s USA Today, the airline plans to operate 17 Airbus single-aisle planes, A-319s, and A-320s in its first year of operation.

The airline still needs to clear at least two regulatory hurdles before it can begin operations: the aforementioned filing with the FAA, and a business-plan review by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Virgin America’s initial funding is reported at more than $170 million, making it the most-expensive startup ever for a U.S. airline.

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