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Warren |
Virgin America’s new presence at John Wayne Airport (SNA) is being received by the city of Irvine, Calif. with the utmost optimism. Irvine city officials are particularly excited about the boost that Virgin America’s newly instated Orange County-San Francisco route is expected to have on its local economy. Jacquie Warren, president and CEO of the Irvine Chamber of Commerce, recently spoke with TravelAgeWest.com about the present state of Irvine’s travel industry and the economic impact of adding Virgin America’s five daily flights between Orange County and San Francisco.
Q: In light of the current economic downturn, how would you describe air travel trends into and out of SNA?
A: Unfortunately, there has been evidence of a downward trend. Through 2008 and the beginning of 2009, SNA witnessed a decline in passenger traffic. In March of 2008, there were more than 820,000 travelers passing through SNA — in March of 2009, that number was down to 713,000. This accounts for a 15.3 percents loss over the course of the year. Of course, you have to look deeper into the data to better predict the course that this trend will take. For example, much of this decline in passenger traffic can be explained by the trend away from business travel. Many companies have now completely eliminated air travel for their employees and clients, choosing instead to conduct business over conference calls or Webinars. While this trend against business travel has been hard on the airline carriers, it has resulted in greatly reduced fares that leisure travelers can take advantage of. Travelers can get a one-way ticket from Orange County to San Francisco on Virgin America for as little as $59. Such discounted airfare rates will surely encourage leisure travelers to head up to San Francisco or come down to Irvine as an affordable weekend escape.
Q: How is John Wayne Airport responding to these trends?
A: Despite the decline in the economy, this is actually a great time for the John Wayne Airport. They are currently in a rebuilding mode — constructing a new terminal with six additional gates and paving 2,000 more parking spaces — that is set to be completed by the summer of 2011. Being able to rebuild at this time is great. It means that, once we get out of this economic recession, John Wayne Airport will be newly ready to handle increased traffic from both business and leisure travelers.
Q: How does the addition of Virgin America’s new route to San Francisco fit in with this future-oriented outlook?
A: The presence of Virgin America at SNA is certainly a positive thing for the airport and for the city as a whole. Our goal is to improve Irvine’s local economy and bringing passengers into the city is really good for its economic well-being. Irvine is a high-tech business community with many hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas — all of these industries will benefit financially from the greater access to Orange County that Virgin American now provides. Virgin America really makes flying fun and swanky, and as we emerge from the economic recession, travelers will increasingly choose to fly with a carrier that understands the value of in-flight comfort and entertainment.
Q: Why do you think Virgin America was eager to acquire a route through John Wayne?
A: Irvine occupies an ideal location in Southern California. It is half-way between Los Angeles and San Diego, so people who want to visit both cities stay in Irvine for more convenient and affordable access to both major metropolises. Top hotels throughout Irvine offer fantastic weekend rates — perfect for families visiting Newport Beach or Anaheim and looking to avoid pricey hotels. Also, for the fourth year in a row, Irvine has been named the safest city in the U.S. with a population of less than 250,000. Irvine is safe, convenient, beautiful and relaxed. Virgin America’s decision to service John Wayne Airport will put Irvine on the map in a way that will really benefit both parties.
Irvine Chamber Visitors Bureau
www.irvinecvb.org
Virgin America
www.virginamerica.com
