Virgin America is stepping up its efforts to deliver winter-weary New Yorkers to the desert.
Starting December 22, the airline will fly nonstop between New York-JFK to Palm Springs, California (PSP).
The new Saturday-only service will join Virgin’s daily flights to PSP out of San Francisco, originally launched last winter and timed to connect with flights to and from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Fort Lauderdale and Washington-Dulles.
It will mark the only nonstop service between New York and Palm Springs. In fact, it will be only the second PSP nonstop route to cross the Mississippi, joining WestJet’s seasonal Toronto flights.
“Since entering these Palm Springs markets, we’ve seen strong demand for our unique flight service. We’re pleased to be expanding in the market and offering a new nonstop option for travelers coming from New York to the desert this winter,” said John MacLeod, Senior Vice President of Planning and Sales at Virgin America.
“Virgin America’s upscale flight service is a perfect match for travelers visiting our region, and we’re pleased to see the airline spread its wings and expand here,” said Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet. “Virgin America’s decision to grow its presence here is a testament to the appeal of our region as a global destination and the strength of our local tourism economy.”
The city of Palm Springs and the Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention and Visitors Authority is reportedly giving Virgin America about $200,000 in subsidies to help launch the JFK-PSP route.
