Virgin Australia unveils new international business class

Plus major upgrades to Premium Economy and Economy

Virgin Australia has unveiled its new aircraft interiors for passengers flying on its long-haul international routes.

The airline has upgraded all three cabins on its Boeing 777-300 aircraft and will be available on its flight to Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi. All five of the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft are expected to be refitted by the third quarter of 2016.

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Suites that convert into a lie-flat bed, 80 inches long

The Business

The Business cabin features 37 suites that convert into a lie-flat bed, 80 inches long (230cm).

Layout is reverse herringbone 1-2-1 configuration meaning every business passenger has direct aisle access.

The seats have an 18 inch High Definition touch screen.

Other cabin features include à la carte or Express Dining options and a Cocktail and Canapé Service offered before the first meal service.

There is a new Business Class Bar and Lounge which will be open after the first meal service and hosted by Business Class cabin crew, offering a selection of snacks and drinks. Passengers can also enjoy breakfast in the bar.

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The Business bar serves drinks, snacks and even breakfast

Virgin Australia Group CEO John Borghetti:

“Virgin Australia is committed to product innovation and delivering a superior customer journey on the ground and in the air.

“With competition increasing from Australia to North America and the Middle East, we believe this will be the best Business Class on the Pacific, with the product also being introduced to Abu Dhabi later this year.

“We have seen customer satisfaction scores increasing to all-time highs after introducing ‘The Business’ domestically on transcontinental routes so we are confident that, with our new Boeing 777 Business Class cabin and refreshed Premium cabin, Virgin Australia will be the number one choice for premium travellers.”

Premium Economy

The airline also unveiled major improvements to its Premium Economy cabin, which now features 24 seats and has been renamed ‘Premium’.

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Premium seats have 41 inch pitch and 19.5 inch width

Key features of Premium on Virgin Australia’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft:

  • cabin size of 24 seats with dedicated Business Class-trained crew
  • increased seat pitch of 41 inches
  • 19.5 inch seat width with nine inches of recline
  • plated meal services, served on Business class crockery and accompanied by a selection of wines from the Business Class cellar
  • 10.6 inch screen featuring 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

Economy Space+

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.

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Economy Space + occupies the first five rows of economy

Economy Space + will be available for flights commencing 30 August 2016

N.B. Image credit: Virgin Australia

Internet links

Virgin Australia (VA)