Alaska, Virgin America granted single operating certificate by FAA

Alaska Airlines and Virgin America have been granted a single operating certificate by FAA, a key milestone in the integration of the two carriers. Alaska cautioned that passengers should not expect to see “immediate differences,” adding, “For now, [passengers] will still use respective Alaska and Virgin America mobile apps, websites and airport terminals when traveling. But when Alaska and Virgin America move to a single reservations system in late April 2018, [passengers] can expect a more streamlined travel experience, with the Alaska mobile app and website serving their travel needs.” But the single operating certificate does mean regulators have been convinced that the two airlines’ operating policies and procedures are now in alignment. <br/>