Virgin Atlantic unveiled the cabins of its next-generation Airbus A330-900neo aircraft. The British airline introduced a new Upper Class seat and an innovative new product for an enhanced premium experience: «The Retreat Suites».
Customers on the aircraft can take advantage of an increased number of USB connections, Bluetooth-enabled entertainment systems and the fastest Wi-Fi in the airline’s history.
In 2019, Virgin Atlantic became the first airline operator in the UK to announce a firm order for 16 Airbus A330-900neo, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to flying the cleanest and greenest fleet in the sky. With this investment the airline will have one of the youngest fleets in the market and by 2027 all of its aircraft are equipped with more efficient and technologically advanced engines to save fuel and reduce carbon emissions.
Virgin Atlantic’s first Airbus A330neo is expected to perform its first commercial service to Boston (BOS) by October this year. The airline will take delivery of three units by September 2022 and the remaining deliveries between 2023 and 2026, this new aircraft will gradually replace its entire fleet of Airbus A330-300s.
Upper Class
Virgin Atlantic introduced a new product for its Upper Class customers called «The Retreat Suites» consisting of two suites at the front of the aircraft, comprising a 6.58-foot direct seat to a fully flat bed and a 27-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity and wireless charging. With each suite featuring an ottoman that doubles as an additional seat, up to four people can comfortably dine, chat or play games in their own private social space.
The A330neo will offer 30 new Upper Class suites. The fully forward-facing suite offers more space and storage along with a privacy door that closes completely. With a ‘do not disturb’ function. It has passenger-controlled ambient lighting, 17.3-inch touchscreen TV and even a mirror so customers can check they are ready for the runway.
In this part of the cabin, customers can enjoy an exclusive «The Loft» area, the same product that debuted on the Airbus A350-1000, this space is designed for eight people, guests can sit and chat, as well as enjoy refreshments from the new service refrigerator and beverage dispenser.
Premium Economy
Consists of 46 seats on the A330neo. It retains Virgin Atlantic’s signature seats from the other aircraft in its fleets, with a width of 38 inches, but is accompanied by footrests at each seat and a 13.3-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth audio.
Economy
Customers can choose between 28 Economy Delight seats, which offer a wider seat pitch of 34 inches, or 156 Economy Classic seats, which offer a seat pitch of 31 inches.
«We are proud to introduce our next-generation A330neo and showcase the evolution of our customer experience, with each of our customers receiving a premium experience regardless of the cabin they travel in,» said Corneel Koster, Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Customer and Operations Officer.
«The A330neo plays an important role in the transformation of our multi-million dollar fleet, demonstrating our commitment to the planet. We know that the most impactful thing we can do as an airline is to fly the cleanest, greenest and youngest fleet possible, and the A330neo is central to achieving this goal. It is truly an aircraft for the future,» added Koster.
Virgin Atlantic’s in-house design team worked in collaboration with Factorydesign to develop Retreat Suite, Upper Class Suite and The Loft.
