Virgin Atlantic shows A330neo details
Design for The Loft was first used on Virgin Atlantic's A350s
Virgin Atlantic this week revealed interior details of its A330neo that has an Upper Class cabin that boasts a new seat, and unveiled The Retreat Suite.
Passengers in Premium and Upper Class can take advantage of in-seat wireless charging while every cabin has a greater number of USB connections, Bluetooth enabled entertainment systems and the airline’s fastest ever Wi-Fi.
In 2019, Virgin Atlantic became the first UK airline to announce a firm order for up to 16 A330neos. Following a multi-billion-dollar investment in fleet transformation over the last decade, the airline operates a fleet with the average aircraft age of just under seven years and 68 percent next-generation aircraft. This increases to 100 percent next generation by the beginning of 2027.
“This means Virgin Atlantic’s aircraft are equipped with the most efficient engines and state-of-the-art technology designed to save fuel and reduce emissions,” said a release from the airline. With the new aircraft Virgin Atlantic will see a 20 per cent reduction in fleet carbon emissions. Over the next decade the airline will save another 10 per cent in carbon emissions. The A330-900neos are designed to be 11 percent more fuel and carbon efficient than the A330-300 they’re directly replacing and will deliver a 50 percent reduction in airport noise contour.
The Upper Class cabin extends six feet, seven inches
Virgin Atlantic’s A330neo is expected to take off to Boston on its first passenger flight in early October. Tickets will go on sale later this month. From September 2022, the airline will take delivery of three aircraft, with the remaining deliveries following between 2023 and 2026.
Upper Class
The Retreat Suite really is two exclusive suites at the front of the cabin. The airline’s most spacious suite yet, with a 6 foot 7 inches direct seat to fully flat bed and a 27-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity and wireless charging. It has an ottoman that doubles as an extra seat, so up to four people can comfortably dine, chat or play games in their own private social space. Passengers can enjoy an intimate dinner or settle in comfort to watch a film.
In addition to The Retreat Suite, the A330neo will offer 30 new Upper Class suites. The fully forward-facing suite offers more space and storage alongside a fully closing privacy door with a ‘do not disturb’ feature. It has passenger-controlled mood lighting, 17.3-inch touchscreen TV and a mirror.
The VantageXL from Thompson Aero
The VantageXL Suite seats from Thompson Aero Seating are fitted throughout Virgin Atlantic’s business Upper Class cabin. Within the front row of the cabin there is the option to create an XL Suite first-class style seat. Virgin Atlantic has taken up this option for the two center double seats, naming it The Retreat.
“We are particularly pleased that Virgin Atlantic and its passengers will benefit from the two first-class suites encompassed within the VantageXL LOPA,” said Andy Morris, Vice President Commercial for Thompson Aero Seating. “Virgin Atlantic’s choice of features to customize the seats has created a truly sumptuous environment and we hope that the comfort offered will prove to be a major selling point for the airline.”
The Loft remains a focal point of the cabin design as passengers board the aircraft and is a core part of the Upper Class experience. In an evolution of design from the A350, it consists of space for eight people, with four comfortable seats, allowing passengers to sit and chat or enjoy refreshments from the new self-service refrigerator and drinks dispenser. Passengers can also connect Bluetooth headphones to the dual panoramic 27-inch touchscreens or utilize the wireless charging facilities for their devices.
Premium
The Premium cabin has 46 seats on the A330neo. Virgin Atlantic’s trademark burgundy Premium seats, have a 38-inch pitch remain, and have calf rests in every seat and a 13.3-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth audio. The airline is also offering its Premium customers an in-seat wireless charging pad.
The Economy Cabin on Virgin Atlantic's A330neo
Economy
In the new Economy cabin passengers have a 13.3-inch screen, with an intuitive touchscreen and Bluetooth audio to connect headphones, with customers able to use their phone as a controller. There’s also plenty of storage, plus AC power and USB ports to keep gadgets energized. Customers have the choice between 28 Economy Delight seats, which offer an increased 34-inch seat pitch, or 156 Economy Classic seats, providing a 31-inch pitch.
“The A330neo plays a significant role in our multi-billion-dollar fleet transformation, demonstrating our commitment to the planet,” said Corneel Koster, Chief Customer and Operating Officer at Virgin Atlantic. “We know the most impactful thing we can do as an airline is to fly the cleanest, greenest, youngest fleet possible and the A330neo is integral to achieving this goal. It’s truly a plane for the future.”
Virgin Atlantic in-house design team worked in collaboration with Factorydesign to develop the Retreat Suite, Upper Class Suite and The Loft.
