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Virgin America Joins Ceres' Network of Companies

Virgin America Joins Ceres' Network of Companies

Published 04-29-08

Submitted by Ceres

BOSTON, MA - April 29, 2008 - Virgin America, the new California-based airline aimed at reinventing air travel has been approved as a Ceres network company by the Ceres board of directors. The board cited the company's founding commitment to being a sustainability leader in the airline industry. Virgin America is the second airline to join Ceres, a leading coalition of investors, environmental groups and public interest organizations working with companies to address sustainability challenges, and is among more than 70 companies in the Ceres network, including over 25 Fortune-500 companies

"As the only California-based airline, our goal is to not only make flying domestically a little more fun, entertaining and stylish, but also more environmentally responsible," said David Cush, President and Chief Executive Officer of Virgin America. "Ceres will be a key partner in our efforts to make sustainability a core part of our business model."

Launched in August 2007, Virgin America is committed to finding new ways to lead the airline industry on environmental issues. The airline's brand new fleet is one of the most fuel and carbon efficient fleets being operated in the U.S. In addition, the Virgin Group has committed to reinvesting all profits from Virgin-transport related businesses to renewable fuels research and other "green" initiatives that combat climate change. Virgin America's current environmental initiatives include: a fleet and flight path analysis program to collect and analyze fuel burn data; operational programs that reduce carbon emissions; employee-focused green incentive efforts; and use of green guidelines in various procurement and operations decisions.

"Virgin America's commitment to integrate sustainability considerations into its business decisions from day one will position the company to set the bar for the airline industry," said Mindy S. Lubber, president of Ceres. "Ceres looks forward to working with Virgin America to develop smart business solutions to the climate threat and further incorporate sustainability into the company's strategies, operations and services."

Virgin America engaged Ceres in the development of the company's sustainability and disclosure principles and the company's CEO David Cush has pledged to make sustainability one of the company's key considerations in the business decision-making process. Companies that join Ceres must make continuous strides in improving their sustainability performance and reporting practices by engaging with investors, environmental groups, and other stakeholders.

About Ceres

Founded in 1989, Ceres is a leading network of investors, environmental groups and other public interest organizations working with companies to address sustainability challenges. Ceres also directs the Investor Network on Climate Risk, comprised of more than 60 institutional investors who collectively manage over $5 trillion in assets. For more information, visit www.ceres.org.

About Virgin America

Launched in 2007, Virgin America is a new U.S. airline that will serve up to 30 cities within five years and grow to 2000 teammates by end of 2008. Virgin America's base of operations is San Francisco International Airport's ultra-modern International Terminal. The airline's new Airbus A320-family aircraft offer guests interactive in-flight entertainment systems, power outlets for laptops and other electronic gear, and a host of other innovative features aimed at making flying good again. The airline's brand new fleet is one of the most fuel and carbon efficient fleets being operated in the U.S. In addition, the Virgin Group has committed to reinvesting all profits from Virgin-transport related businesses to renewable fuels research and other "green" initiatives that combat climate change. Zagat's 2007 Airlines Survey ranked the airline #1 among U.S. carriers for quality in First Class and #2 for quality in Coach. Virgin America is a U.S. owned and controlled airline that is partially owned by the Virgin Group. To learn more: www.virginamerica.com

Note: Inclusion of a company in the Ceres network of companies reflects the determination by Ceres that the senior executives and board of directors of the designated company have demonstrated a genuine continuing commitment to apply and support Ceres-approved corporate environmental and social objectives/principles and to acknowledge and promote its publicly available sustainability/corporate responsibility missions and values. Inclusion of a company in the Ceres network of companies is not intended, however, to constitute the endorsement or support by Ceres of the company's business products, services and/or strategies.

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Our Mission: Ceres is transforming the economy to build a just and sustainable future for people and the planet. 

Ceres is a nonprofit organization working with the most influential capital market leaders to solve the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. Through our powerful networks and global collaborations of investors, companies, and nonprofits, we drive action and inspire equitable market-based and policy solutions throughout the economy to build a just and sustainable future. For more information, visit ceres.org and follow @CeresNews. 

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