Virgin America Soars High for Innovation

By David Pflieger

From start-up to stardom, Virgin America recently grabbed the number-seven spot for innovation in an AirlineTrends.com ranking of airlines. Describing Virgin America as a “no-frills-chic” carrier, the website praised the airline for its forward-looking approach to airline travel.

Some of the airline’s innovations included iconic cabin lighting, power and USB outlets in all seats, and in-flight Wi-Fi on all aircraft. These perks have helped to establish Virgin America as the preferred choice among young, urban, tech-savvy air travelers. Some industry watchers refer to the carrier as the “unofficial airline of Silicon Valley.”

From its hub in San Francisco, Virgin America currently flies to 17 cities and has plans to expand to more than 30 cities in the next five years. The fleet has also grown in recent years, from 34 aircraft in January 2011 to 51 aircraft in mid-2012. The company plans to nearly double the fleet to 111 aircraft by the end of the decade.

About David Pflieger: A decorated United States Air Force officer, David Pflieger enjoys a reputation as a respected airline industry executive. His accomplishments include serving as a key member of the start-up teams for two award-winning airlines, Virgin America and Delta Song.

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Global Airline Industry Committed to Biofuels, By David Pflieger

As the global airline industry embraces sustainability, executives are calling on the United States government to increase efforts to promote biofuels, according to a report on SapphireEnergy.com.

Anticipating a huge spike in passenger traffic in the next 15 years, the executives seek to meet the demand without increasing carbon emissions.

Fuel currently represents between 30 percent and 45 percent of operational costs. The airline industry consumes about 65 billion gallons of fuel annually. Some industry officials are calling for biofuels to account for 50 percent of fuel by 2040. They want the transition to be transparent, with newer planes coming off the line capable of running on biofuel.

Industry executives say that a stronger government commitment to the development of economically viable biofuel will help ensure the transition takes place.

About the Author: An experienced airline industry executive, David Pflieger was Senior Vice President of Virgin America from 2006 to 2010. During his tenure, Mr. Pflieger oversaw the growth of the company from a start-up venture with just 14 people to an award-winning airline with more than 1,300 employees. Today, Mr. Pflieger serves as CEO and Managing Director of Air Pacific Ltd.

Introducing the Latest to the Air Pacific Family: Airbus A330-200

By David Pflieger

Beginning in March 2013, Air Pacific will welcome three new aircraft from Airbus into its family at Nadi International Airport in Fiji. The Airbus A330-200 is a wide-body aircraft operated by many major airlines around the world and is used in a range of capacities from short-haul routes to international oceanic routes. With a capacity of up to 253 passengers, the Airbus A330 is typically configured in a two-class cabin layout with a variety of modern amenities such as on-board in-flight entertainment and communications. In addition to passengers, the wide-body A330-200 is also a cargo workhorse, with the ability to carry large, industry-standard containers.

Through technology upgrades and an increased maximum takeoff weight, the Airbus A330-200 models in the Air Pacific fleet are well positioned to serve a variety of destinations. With a range of 7050 nautical miles and increased fuel efficiency, the aircraft is ideal for point-to-point operations throughout the Pacific Rim and is a symbol of Air Pacific’s continuing expansion throughout the region.

About the author: An airline industry veteran who has worked for major carriers such as Delta and Virgin America, David Pflieger joined Air Pacific in May 2010 as the company’s Managing Director and CEO.

An Overview of Air Pacific

Founded in 1951 by renowned aviator, navigator, and inventor Harold George Gatty, Fiji’s international airline Air Pacific has been going strong ever since. Currently run by Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer David Pflieger, Air Pacific flies more than 400 flights every week to 10 countries across the globe, carrying a total of over one million passengers a year. The airline has more than 800 employees, making it a major employer in Fiji.

A longtime member of the airline industry, CEO David Pflieger understands the importance of how the world connects through air travel. The Air Pacific fleet includes Boeing 747, 767, 737, ATR-42 and DHC6 Twin Otter planes that fly to Hong Kong, Australia, the United States, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, and more.

Air Pacific provides passengers both business and economy class, respectively dubbed Tabua Class and Pacific Voyager. Tabua Class offers a three-course meal and a wide selection of wines and liqueurs in addition to individual screens with 21 channels to choose from. Pacific Voyager presents a relaxed and friendly environment for the economy traveler, including in-flight entertainment and snacks inspired by South Pacific cuisine.