Get All Access for $5/mo

No More Missed Connections: Virgin Unveils First-Ever Airborne Social Network Virgin America has partnered with the location-based business app Here On Biz to facilitate networking among its passengers both on the ground and in the air.

By Geoff Weiss

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Business travelers are all too familiar with the serendipitous connections that so frequently -- and fruitfully -- arise among neighboring passengers in the air.

Seeking to enhance these dynamics, Virgin America has unveiled what it's calling the first airline social network in collaboration with Here On Biz, a location-based business app.

"Instead of leaving it to chance, entrepreneurs can learn who else is on board to connect, chat and perhaps even start a company at thirty-five thousand feet," noted Virgin Airways founder Richard Branson of the venture.

Related: Business Travelers, Rejoice: Delta to Offer $2 Wi-Fi Mobile Pass

Rolling out to all domestic flights by month's end, the network will enable passengers to connect with other users on their flights -- and all other airborne guests -- as well as travelers at their respective destinations.

Available at departure gates before takeoff and in the air, the Here On Biz app connects with users' LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter accounts, through which travelers can then message one another -- and even send in-flight cocktails to potential connections -- via Virgin's Gogo Wi-Fi network.

To kick off the initiative, Virgin is launching a sweepstakes on Twitter called #PlanePitch where passengers can propose a venture "to your dream biz seatmate in 140 characters or less" using the aforementioned hashtag.

While six weekly winners will receive free Wi-Fi passes, one grand prize victor selected in March will receive six free flights as well as ultraluxe in-flight perks.

Related: Southwest Airlines' Landing Mix-Up Could Have Been Super Scary

Geoff Weiss

Former Staff Writer

Geoff Weiss is a former staff writer at Entrepreneur.com.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Growing a Business

4 Ways I Grew My Business From Startup to 17 Years of Sustained Success

Whatever the future holds, remembering these four lessons will help sustain and scale your startup to a lasting legacy.

Side Hustle

This 20-Year-Old Student Started a Side Hustle With $400 — and It Earned $150,000 Over the Summer

Jacob Shaidle launched his barbecue cleaning business Shaidle Cleaning in 2021 when he was just 15.

Business News

Barbara Corcoran Says This Is the One Question to Ask Before Selling Your Home

Barbara Corcoran sold The Corcoran Group in 2001 for $66 million.

Business News

Google Says It Won't Follow Amazon's Lead With a Return-to-Office Mandate — Yet

In a town hall, Google leaders told staff the current hybrid plan will stay in place.

Business News

'Not a Big Deal': Barbara Corcoran Says the NAR Ruling Hasn't Had Much of an Impact So Far

The ruling removes the commission rate that home sellers are expected to pay.