Virgin Australia has announced a swanky new International Business Class cabin design with the first of its refitted planes now flying across the Pacific.
The airline is claiming the new fitout will transform ‘the customer experience on long haul flights from Australia to Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi’.
In addition to the business class announcement, Virgin also revealed a new economy class product called ‘Economy Space +’ (see below) and also revealed upgrades to its Premium Economy service as well.
The new business class cabin configuration on the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft indeed looks impressive with key features as follows;
- 37 individual and private suites that convert into the length of a queen size bed at 203cm;
- Reverse herringbone cabin layout, maximising privacy and enabling 100% direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration;
- Generous side console area providing ample space to work, multitask and store personal items, with the addition of a bedside amenity nook for easy access while resting;
- Customised triple-layer seat cushion supported by a hammock sub-frame and a turndown service with memory foam mattress toppers and high-grade cotton pillows and doonas;
- The largest in-flight entertainment screen flying between Australia and North America, with a 46cm High Definition touch screen featuring the Virgin Australia Entertainment seatback system and a stylish new intuitive user interface;
- Luke Mangan-designed menus paired with premium wines and delivered in a fine dining experience tailored to guests’ needs through à la carte or Express Dining options;
- Three new Signature Service elements:
- Cocktail and Canapé Service offered prior to the first meal service with a choice of Bellini, Kir Royale or Mimosa along with a Luke Mangan-designed canapé plate;
- The new Business Class Bar and Lounge will be open after the first meal service and hosted by Business Class cabin crew, offering a selection of nibbles and bites, beer, wine and spirits as well as a hot beverage selection with petit fours; and;
- Continental breakfast at the bar prior to the full breakfast service, or the opportunity to enjoy a full breakfast at the bar rather than in the suite.
Airlines that fly premium economy from Australia
Virgin to launch Melbourne to LAX and Perth to Abu Dhabi
The major improvements to Virgin Australia’s Premium Economy cabin include;
- An exclusive and intimate cabin size of 24 seats with dedicated Business Class-trained crew;
- More legroom than any other Australian airline with an increased seat pitch of 104cm;
- A roomy 50cm seat width with 23cm of recline;
- Plated meal services inspired by Business Class, served on Business class crockery and accompanied by a selection of wines from our Business Class cellar;
- The introduction of Nespresso coffee and Madame Flavour Tea along with a Premium Pantry for exclusive use by Premium guests;
- Two new Signature Service elements including cocktails and Movie Snack service each hour throughout the flight;
- 15cm-screen featuring the Virgin Australia setback system with a stylish new intuitive user interface;
- In-seat power and a USB outlet for charging personal electronic devices;
- Amenity packs with luxurious blankets, pillows and skincare products; and
- Dedicated check-in, priority boarding and priority baggage, enabling Premium guests to speed through airport formalities.
Virgin Australia also announced Economy Space +, which is a new spacious section of the Boeing 777 main cabin.
The first five rows and the exit rows of economy feature extra legroom as well as a range of other features.
All five of the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft are expected to be refitted by the third quarter of 2016.
On sale from May 17, Economy Space + will be available for flights commencing 30 August 2016. Economy Space + can be purchased for between $135 (AUD) and $165 one-way when selecting your seat at time of booking.
Located in a dedicated cabin of five rows behind Premium Economy and the exit rows of the main cabin on Virgin Australia’s Boeing 777-300ER fleet, Economy Space + features:
- Extra legroom;
- Check-in via a dedicated Premium check-in counter;
- Pre-boarding (when available);
- Preferred overhead locker;
- Dedicated crew members throughout the flight;
- Guaranteed first meal choice; and
- Premium noise-cancelling headset.
Virgin Australia flies daily from Sydney and Brisbane to Los Angeles, and three times per week from Sydney to Abu Dhabi (recommencing third quarter 2016).