Virgin Goes Viral Video to Make Its Case
If politicians can use YouTube to announce their presidential plans, then why can’t an airline make its case using video? Virgin America, the company started by billionaire Richard Branson, has been denied permission to operate in the U.S. on local routes because of too much foreign ownership. CEO Fred Reid is making his case in this video, and believes that if enough people get behind the company it could actually fly in the U.S. skies.
Whether or not you agree with Virgin’s agenda, there is no doubt they have one pimpin’ plane! More after the jump.
They have set up a website which is kinda kitschy but gets the message across.
As you may have heard, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) tentatively rejected Virgin America’s airline application, pending resolution of some complex issues regarding our ownership. We’re answering the DOT today and are continuing our application process. But the fight isn’t over. The real loser in this battle may be you, the traveler.
Whatever you might think of his agenda, that is one pimping plane. It is an Airbus, and is a Nerdvana of sorts. Check out the networking and entertainment features - it is something geeks can totally fall in love with. This is commoditization of hardware put to effective use. Here are some of its features:
- You can play multi-player games with other passengers. Linux based games including DOOM are going to be available and can be played through a QWERTY keyboard.
- Plug in your electronic devices right into the 110 volt jack, no airline adapters needed.
- First class passengers get a RJ-45 jack to plugin your laptop and get connected.
- It has a HUGE archive of music and it follows you on each plane so when you jump to another flight, you have all your playlists etc. saved right there for you to resume your listening. About 3,000 mp3 tracks.
- And an OMG-worthy entertainment system. RED is what they call it, and it was developed by Virgin themselves.
- A way to electronically shop for food, no chatting with flight attendants necessary.
There is basically a PC at every seat with a 9-inch monitor, and the applications are running on embedded Linux. The entire plane is networked via Ethernet, and in the belly of the aircraft there are three file servers and a whole bunch of paraphernalia.
Come on, who wouldn’t want to fly on a plane like that.
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[…] plans, then why can’t an airline make its case using video. No comments Share/Send Sphere Topic: Reporter’s Log Tags:none […]
GigaOM » Virgin goes Viral Video to Make its Case on January 17th, 2007 at 12:10 pm - Permalink
Agreed that it looks like a sweet ride, especially by our lowered and re-lowered standards for coach.
But I’m really not sure how much this will help them get off the ground. The Department of Transportation rejected their application because of their ownership structure, not their inflight entertainment systems. See post here:
http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/01/17/virgin-america-wants-your-vote-teases-you-with-glimpses-of-their-planes/
Mark Ashley on January 17th, 2007 at 1:48 pm - Permalink
[…] [Via NewTeeVee] […]
King of News » Blog Archive » Virgin Atlantic showcases pimped out aircraft, lobbies for US flights on January 17th, 2007 at 3:00 pm - Permalink
Dude…I live in Australia…the country that Virgin comes from…and We don’t even have all that…the Virgin international planes aren’t even that god damn nice.
I’d be behind them if I was in America…I’d kill for in-flight gaming and not having to say a word to those ditzy flight attendants.
Vampsy on January 17th, 2007 at 3:04 pm - Permalink
But will an internet connection be free or will it cost $30 per person?
fowpas on January 17th, 2007 at 3:04 pm - Permalink
I am pretty sure Virgin is from the UK, not Australia…
Alex on January 17th, 2007 at 3:21 pm - Permalink
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TightReviews.com » Virgin Atlantic showcases pimped out aircraft, lobbies for US flights on January 17th, 2007 at 3:24 pm - Permalink
I can see why some restrictions on foreign ownership of airlines used to be helpful–it kept gobs of profit from going overseas, it kept state-sponsored airlines from taking over, it allowed the airline industry to grow.
But with a severe minority of airlines actually making money (so most of the money would stay in the US due to cost per mile), very little actual competition (and less competition in the future), and Virgin being privately owned, I see very little harm they could do to the US market.
This would improve competition and features for travelers, while cross-promoting Virgin associated music and video IP.
DOT could even work with the state dept to work out offsets against profits by bringing Airbus plants & maintenance work into the US. (Which would provide Boeing real competitive pressures…and is exactly why this’ll never happen)
adin on January 17th, 2007 at 3:30 pm - Permalink
Close to heaven, pun intended. This is a computer junkie’s dream, eases business work and just increases fun all around. With so much entertainment and functionality in each seat, what else could a passenger wish for? Unless they have yet to join the Mile HIgh Club of course.
sewdough on January 17th, 2007 at 3:31 pm - Permalink
[…] read more | digg story […]
Truth, Justice, and the American Way » Blog Archive » New Virgin America airline goes viral video to make its case on January 17th, 2007 at 3:46 pm - Permalink
Wow. If only New Zealand, or, any country had planes like that.
The worst thing about flying? Being bored out of your skull watching a really crap movie with little kids yelling and screaming. This plane will shut them up too.
It is the perfect solution to boring air travel :)
Tony on January 17th, 2007 at 3:59 pm - Permalink
Actually, I think the Ausie is referring to Virgin Blue, which is Virgin’s discount carrier operations in Australia. Virgin Blue is the template for Virgin America - so the idea does come from AU.
However, the main Virgin Atlantic airline is based in the UK.
rubbish on January 17th, 2007 at 3:59 pm - Permalink
[…] [Via NewTeeVee] […]
Virgin Atlantic showcases pimped out aircraft, lobbies for US flights » Technology Blog by Tofupax on January 17th, 2007 at 4:10 pm - Permalink
There is something funny about an airline named “Virgin” catering to the geek community?
mister20 on January 17th, 2007 at 4:13 pm - Permalink
There are no virgins in Australia, so it can’t have come from there.
A kiwi on January 17th, 2007 at 4:19 pm - Permalink
[…] [Via NewTeeVee] […]
iTaiwan.mobi » Virgin Atlantic showcases pimped out aircraft, lobbies for US flights on January 17th, 2007 at 4:25 pm - Permalink
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Nasvadi’s Blog » Blog Archive » Virgin Atlantic showcases pimped out aircraft, lobbies for US flights on January 17th, 2007 at 4:59 pm - Permalink
Holding Back the Branson Revolution (Updated)…
Is this man a danger to United States airspace? Last week our government blocked Virgin CEO, Richard Branson’s attempt to enter a new transportation market. But the Department of Transportation blocked his application, using rules meant to protect the…
The Challenge Dividend on January 17th, 2007 at 5:25 pm - Permalink
Virgin Atlantic showcases pimped out aircraft, lobbies for US flights…
Filed under: Displays , Gaming , Transportation If you’ve never heard of Richard Branson before today,…
Tech Gadgets on January 17th, 2007 at 5:52 pm - Permalink
let virgin airlines fly?…
link info here: virgin goes viral video to make its case. my coworker was talking to me the other day about his planned long flight overseas and how he’s going to bring a portable dvd player for the trip…
weblog for wuziq.com on January 17th, 2007 at 6:45 pm - Permalink
[…] NewTeeVee are loving the on board technology with everything a fully wired cabinm on board mp3 archive and “OMG-worthy entertainment system”. […]
Virgin America, not flying. at virginbrand.com / an unofficial virgin blog on January 17th, 2007 at 7:25 pm - Permalink
Good god.
Cheesy video.
is that the best they could do?
glimmer on January 17th, 2007 at 8:32 pm - Permalink
That’s pretty cool, but I bet the prices are higher. The plane looks great and the lighting is done well.
Wowzers on January 17th, 2007 at 10:27 pm - Permalink
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King of News » Blog Archive » Virgin America showcases pimped out aircraft, lobbies for US flights on January 18th, 2007 at 8:55 am - Permalink
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TightReviews.com » Virgin America showcases pimped out aircraft, lobbies for US flights on January 18th, 2007 at 9:03 am - Permalink
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Gadgets, Gizmos, Technology, VOIP Phone, and Computers » Archive » Virgin America showcases pimped out aircraft, lobbies for US flights on January 18th, 2007 at 9:07 am - Permalink
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Virgin America showcases pimped out aircraft, lobbies for US flights » Technology Blog by Tofupax on January 18th, 2007 at 9:39 am - Permalink
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RSS fabriek » Blog Archive » Virgin America showcases pimped out aircraft, lobbies for US flights on January 18th, 2007 at 9:43 am - Permalink
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iStereo.mobi » Virgin America showcases pimped out aircraft, lobbies for US flights on January 18th, 2007 at 7:20 pm - Permalink
[…] Virgin wants the public to know what it could offer them. They have a petition and further information up for potential consumers to see what they’re all about. […]
Let There Be Choice « PIANNAF Foundation on January 18th, 2007 at 7:59 pm - Permalink
Virgin America goes Web 2.0 in its Advocacy Efforts…
Through its innovative LetVAFly site, Virgin America has taken its advocacy efforts online - incorporating…
Brendan Hodgson on January 19th, 2007 at 8:37 am - Permalink
[…] NewTeeVee » Virgin Goes Viral Video to Make Its Case Jan 2007 article on Virgin air trying to fly more US cities, but the most interesting part is the kind of entertainment and networking gear on their planes… (tags: transportation press games) […]
Jeff McNeill » Blog Archive » links for 2007-01-19 on January 20th, 2007 at 10:40 am - Permalink
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clasicalia on January 23rd, 2007 at 11:14 am - Permalink
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Gamer News Wire » Blog Archive » Virgin America showcases pimped out aircraft, lobbies for US flights on January 27th, 2007 at 7:27 am - Permalink
[…] RED entertainment system. They have posted the details on their blog. No comments Share/Send Sphere Topic: Reporter’s Log Tags:none […]
GigaOM » Virgin America looking for Linux games on February 4th, 2007 at 10:13 pm - Permalink
[…] This isn’t the only social media angle to the campaign. CEO Fred Reid pleads the company’s case to the public on YouTube, which naturally hit the blogosphere Virgin America Diggnation Kevin Rose Alex Albrecht Podcast case study […]
Social Media in Australia » Blog Archive » Diggnation podcast helping Virgin America get off the ground on February 11th, 2007 at 5:58 pm - Permalink
Nice…
Iakovos on May 22nd, 2007 at 3:12 am - Permalink
[...] makes their case in the video seen in this story and asks for the publics help in lobbying support.read more | digg story Related post: It’s Been an ‘All Out War’ on Pot Smokers for 35 YearsHello [...]
Credit News Digg » New Virgin America airline goes viral video to make its case on November 3rd, 2007 at 9:12 pm - Permalink
[...] makes their case in the video seen in this story and asks for the publics help in lobbying support.read more | digg story Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a [...]
ovvo news » Blog Archive » New Virgin America airline goes viral video to make its case on December 20th, 2007 at 9:16 pm - Permalink
[...] makes their case in the video seen in this story and asks for the publics help in lobbying support.read more | digg [...]
mp3 buy online » Blog Archive » New Virgin America airline goes viral video to make its case on December 24th, 2007 at 3:31 pm - Permalink
[...] makes their case in the video seen in this story and asks for the publics help in lobbying support.read more | digg [...]
XEROMANTIA!! » New Virgin America airline goes viral video to make its case on December 31st, 2007 at 9:18 am - Permalink
Sorry :(
Platon on February 6th, 2008 at 12:28 pm - Permalink
Whats it take to get your video talked about? How do you make a viral video? What are the triggers that can have your video passed on by mouse advertising?
Mark Lewis on February 7th, 2008 at 1:07 am - Permalink
[...] makes their case in the video seen in this story and asks for the publics help in lobbying support.read more | digg story Filed under Blog by [...]
New Virgin America airline goes viral video to make its case | Fit Living Guide on March 15th, 2008 at 8:34 am - Permalink
[...] makes their case in the video seen in this story and asks for the publics help in lobbying support.read more | digg [...]
Starting Your Own Blog dot Com » Blog Archive » New Virgin America airline goes viral video to make its case on March 15th, 2008 at 10:37 am - Permalink