SAN FRANCISCO -- After nearly two years of battling for the right to operate, Virgin America is scheduled to make its debut at Dulles International Airport with a red-eye arrival this morning.

Backed by the flamboyant British tycoon Richard Branson, Virgin America plans to win over customers with hip appeal, low fares and sophisticated in-flight entertainment systems. But some analysts say inexpensive tickets, snazzy amenities and mood lighting may not be enough to help the airline infiltrate an industry that is far more competitive and financially stronger than it was just a few years ago.

Virgin's chief executive, Fred Reid, acknowledged that it has "really been a slog" to reach this point: offering service that links the West Coast with Washington. Executives fought with federal regulators for nearly two years to overcome concerns that Branson and his Virgin Group controlled too much of the new carrier. U.S. law prohibits foreigners from holding a controlling stake in a U.S. airline.

Virgin, headquartered near the international airport in San Francisco, started operating last month, serving New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas.

The airline will make its first departure from Dulles for San Francisco tomorrow morning after festivities, media tours and a gate party. Next month, it will add flights between Dulles and Los Angeles International Airport. The carrier plans to eventually expand flight options out of Dulles, Reid said.

He added that Virgin America has worked hard over the past few years to find the right mix of destinations, cost savings and in-flight amenities. Virgin is not really a low-cost carrier but rather a "hybrid" airline that offers cheap tickets and upscale service, Reid said.

"We have a compelling enough offer at the right prices that people will respond to it," Reid said after a tour of one of his jets parked at a gate at the San Francisco airport.

The airline's 11 Airbus jets -- it has plans to add 10 to 25 new Airbus planes a year to its fleet -- have leather seats in first class and coach; in-flight entertainment systems loaded with video games, movies and television shows; and mood music in the cabin.

With the swipe of a credit card (the carrier does not accept cash), passengers can order food from the monitors at their seats. Using a small keyboard, they can instant-message other passengers throughout the plane.

Analysts said they were impressed with the carrier's attitude and amenities, which are similar to those offered by JetBlue Airways, a low-cost carrier with a loyal following.

"If [a new U.S. airline] ever has a chance at working, this is the way to do it," said Mike Boyd, an aviation analyst based in Colorado. "Customers want more for their dollar, and they are fed up" with service at other carriers.

But Boyd and others said they remained skeptical that Virgin, even with Branson's deep pockets, can pull it off in today's competitive environment.