Finally! After some initial turbulence over Virgin America’s ties to Brit billionaire Sir Richard Branson, on Wednesday the US DOT authorized the airline to begin selling tickets while the FAA certified its jets as safe to fly. All that’s necessary now is for VA to release its initial schedules and actually sell tickets.

I’m excited about this. Why? Well, like other Virgin companies, Virgin America is planning on bringing a number of innovations to air travel. First and foremost — the airline has sourced brand-new Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft. As with other LCCs — namely JetBlue, Skybus and Spirit — new aircraft are more comfortable, more efficient and spend less time on the ground in maintenance where they don’t make money. Fortunately, VX chose Airbus and not the Boeing 737.

To me, the Airbus product is vastly superior because the interior feels lighter and more spacious, they’re less noisy on the inside, and, well, they’re slightly more technologically advanced than the 40-year-old 737 series. (No, this isn’t me trying to start yet another Airbus vs. Boeing war in my inbox; it’s just my personal preference.)

Of course, new aircraft also allow newer interior amenities. A state-of-the-art LED lighting system will help set the mood inside VA’s planes. (Something the 737 Rustliner hasn’t figured out how to do just yet…) Touchscreen control panels at the flight attendant stations will allow for a preset colour scheme to be used and changed throughout the flight. (Again, no gee-whiz like this on the 737.)

As for seating Virgin will offer two classes. The Main Cabin experience will include the largest seat-back televisions of any US airline with an advanced, sophisticated in-flight entertainment system made by Panasonic. Featuring free television shows, games, live onboard chat, the ability to order food from your seat (some items will be free and included in the fare,) and more, this will definitely differentiate it from competitors’ offerings. Each seat will also have a USB port, RJ-45 Ethernet port and a standard 110V outlet. (No adapter required!)

The Main Cabin seats are manufactured by Recaro and are arranged with a 32-inch pitch. The coverings are leather, and, because of the thin seat profile (1.5″ thick) you’ll have more clearance for your knees when your fellow passenger in front decides to shove his head into your lap and shatter your kneecaps.

Up in the front of the ‘bus the First Class offering includes the same food and entertainment options, however, the televisions are armrest mounted and movable. Plus, you’ll get a movable light so your late night reading doesn’t keep everybody awake. The seats, go figure, are big: 55-inch pitch plus a massage function and various recline controls. Of course, they’re leather. And, with only 8 of these seats up front, you’re guaranteed to have plenty of space.

VA posted a video of their in-flight amenities and a basic tour of the aircraft on YouTube. You can watch it here. It is hosted by CEO Fred Reid, who was ousted as part of the deal to get the airplane off the ground.

Flights should begin in August. Washington’s Dulles International Airport (IAD) is listed as an initial destination, along with SFO (their home base), JFK, LAX, SAN and LAS.

[Image Copyright © Cameron Bowman]