Virgin America comes one step closer to flying

Virgin America, the regional airline backed by British billionaire Richard Branson, is one step closer to starting operations.

The airline began recruiting flight staff last month and has now submitted a list of 40 markets that it would like to serve.

Virgin America has been in the pipeline for two years and has met opposition from the country's established airlines, with whom Virgin would be competing.

Although Virgin has already begun putting its infrastructure in place, there is still no guarantee that it will be allowed to fly. Strict 18-month analysis from the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration will decide the future of the regional start-up.

Virgin plans to operate 17 aircraft within its first year between cities such as New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Chicago.

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