Las Vegas Weekly

September 8, 2008 · 11:37 AM

Entourage cast launches Branson’s new Virgin America flights as billionaire plans Vegas resort

By Robin Leach

Richard Branson, third from left, poses in front of one of his jets with the cast of Entourage.

Photo: Virgin America

Thanks to delightfully eccentric British billionaire Sir Richard Branson -- and the cast of the Entourage hit HBO series -- Vegas has a brand-new airline serving New York City with direct flights! Branson’s ‘Virgin America’ launched a custom Airbus A320 daubed ‘ Entourage Air’ for the star-studded send-off of the inaugural flight from John F. Kennedy Airport.

Entourage stars and all Vegas regulars, Kevin Connolly, Jerry Ferrara, Adam Grenier, plus Kevin Dillon -- who flew out on it to celebrate his birthday last night (Sunday) at the Hard Rock Hotel -- were on board for Sir Richard’s personal tour. (We’ll have the wrap up of Kevin’s birthday bash tomorrow right here at Luxe Life). With magnums of Dom Perignon champagne on hand, Sir Richard walked the Entourage cast along the red carpet to christen the new aircraft.

“At a time when many U.S. carriers are cutting routes and amenities, we’re pleased to be adding flights to such world-class destinations as Las Vegas and winning awards for our upscale design, entertainment and service. It was fitting to launch our non-stop flights from New York to the entertainment capital of the world with ‘Entourage First Class service,’” said Branson’s CEO and Virgin America President David Cash. All this month, First Class passengers get to see episodes of Entourage Season 5, which premiered last night on the individualized in-flight entertainment system. They also get “Entourage Air” blankets, noise-canceling headphones, Dom Perignon and Godiva chocolates.

The debut flight was met here at McCarran by Vegas showgirls and executives of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute before a Playboy Club party at the Palms. Now Virgin’s “Entourage Air” sweepstakes is also underway through October 1, where the big prize is a VIP trip for four to Vegas with $5,000 in cash to blow high-roller style, first class tickets on Virgin America and a stay in one of George Maloof’s Fantasy Tower “Sky Villas” -– plus spa treatments and other exclusive Palms perks!

Terry Jicinsky, senior marketing VP of the LVCVA, summed up: “We’re very pleased that Virgin chose Vegas for its latest new route.” Sir Richard, who also has direct Virgin flights from Vegas to and from London’s Gatwick and Manchester airports has made no secret of his eventual desire for a Virgin resort on the Strip and still says” its very much on the radar.”

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