VIRGIN AMERICA AND SU2C JOIN FORCES TO STAND UP TO CANCER AT 35,000 FEET

Virgin America Named Official Domestic Airline of the Stand Up To Cancer Initiative Airline Launches In–flight Digital Fundraising Drive with 100% of Funds Going to Accelerate Cancer Research

Los Angeles and San Francisco — August 26, 2010 — Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) and Virgin America, the California–based airline that is reinventing travel, today announce a unique partnership to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. As SU2C’s Official Domestic Airline partner, Virgin America (with Virgin Unite) has pledged to support SU2C’s mission through a multi–year in–kind travel partnership, Company fundraising and other joint efforts to drive awareness and funding for lifesaving cancer research. As of September 3, 2010, guests on Virgin America will be able to join the SU2C movement at 35,000 feet via the Red™ entertainment platform. Virgin America flight guests can visit the Shop “Make a Difference” section on the Red platform, choose a donation, swipe a credit card and join the fight to bring an end to cancer – right from their seatback touch–screen. 100% of the funds will go to cancer research and efforts designed to speed groundbreaking treatments to patients.


“Virgin America and Virgin Unite are delighted to join forces with Stand Up To Cancer to raise critical funding for cancer research. In addition to the commitment we’ve made, we hope that millions of travelers will join the fight – from the comfort of their seats at 35,000 feet,” said Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson.

The Virgin America–SU2C partnership kicks off just as SU2C returns to primetime television on September 10, 2010, at 8:00PM ET & PT / 7:00PM CT. The star–studded show combines entertainment with an appeal to build continuing public support for cutting–edge cancer research that translates from the laboratory to treatments and technologies that benefit patients. Guests traveling on Virgin America on September 10, 2010, will be able to tune into the show live via the airline’s live satellite television line–up. In addition to the unique donation platform on the Red in–flight entertainment system, Virgin America flyers will also be able to watch custom SU2C content on the Red platform throughout the rest of 2010 and in 2011.

“Ending cancer is going to require a true grassroots effort,” said Laura Ziskin, one of the Stand Up To Cancer co–founders. “We need for people all over the country to believe that curing cancer is do–able, and to give whatever they can to help the teams of scientists working 24/7 to make that happen. This type of support from a major airline, where guests can learn about our researchers’ work and easily donate, is a first for us. We are profoundly grateful to Richard Branson and everyone at Virgin America for standing up to cancer with us,” she said.

With Virgin Unite, the nonprofit foundation of the Virgin Group, Virgin America teammates are joining the fight as well. In September 2010, Virgin America in–flight and airport teammates will be wearing SU2C tee shirts on select days and competing to drive donations among their network of friends and family via the Virgin America team page on SU2C’s Web site. In addition to the multi–year in–kind travel partnership, Virgin America will be matching the initial teammate fundraising drive up to $10,000. Virgin America’s top teammate fundraiser as of September 6, 2010, will score a VIP seat at the live taping of the 2010 SU2C televised event.

“Cancer has touched all of us in some way and has deeply affected the Virgin America family. Our Company and our teammates are pleased to have the opportunity to help raise funds for the multidisciplinary research that is changing the equation and helping speed lifesaving treatments to patients,” said Frances Fiorillo, Senior Vice President of People and In–Flight Services at Virgin America.

ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and many cable networks are donating one hour of simultaneous commercial–free primetime for this year’s SU2C nationally televised fundraising special. Similar to the landmark 2008 broadcast, this year’s telecast will feature legendary recording artists and stars from film, television and sports who will present content providing viewers with insights into cancer. This year’s show will also include a special appearance by a Virgin America aircraft. While the broadcast will honor the memory of those taken by the disease, it will focus on surviving cancer – on living a full life after being diagnosed with it. In the United States alone this year, 1.4 million people will be diagnosed with cancer.

Virgin America offers over 100 flights a day and flies to: San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., Seattle, Las Vegas, San Diego, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Toronto, Orlando (starting October 6, 2010) and Dallas–Fort Worth (starting December 1, 2010).