Virgin Atlantic makes first flight with its A330neo


Virgin Atlantic’s first flight with its first Airbus A330neo has taken off from London Heathrow.

The brand new aircraft, named Billie Holiday, started the trip to Boston at 1747 today, 27 October 2022.

The A330neo is the 50th Airbus aircraft for Virgin Atlantic.

Virgin, the first operator of the type in the UK, has ordered 13 A330neo aircraft and plans to expand the fleet to 16.

The UK airline expects to get three more A330neos this year, with the remaining deliveries between 2023 and 2026.

The Airbus A330neo is the first aircraft in Virgin Atlantic’s fleet with a brand-new Upper Class seat, a refreshed social space, and The Retreat Suite – the most spacious suite in Virgin Atlantic’s history.

The passenger experience

Virgin Atlantic’s A330neo is configured to accommodate 262 passengers in three classes:

  • Upper Class, with 32 seats in a 1-2-1 layout
  • Premium, 46 seats in a 2-3-2 layout
  • Economy, 184 seats in a 2-4-2 layout

Passengers will enjoy innovative features, no matter where they sit. Everyone can enjoy a greater number of USB connections, Bluetooth enabled entertainment and fast Wi-Fi. 

Virgin Atlantic A330neo Upper Class seat
The brand-new Upper Class seat with privacy door [Image: Virgin Atlantic]

Upper Class

Upper Class seats feature privacy doors and in-seat wireless charging.

There are two Retreat Suites in the front row. They have a seat that becomes a fully flat bed and an ottoman that doubles up as an extra seat. 

Premium

Upper Class isn’t the only cabin that’s had an upgrade.

The new Premium cabin has 46 38” pitch seats in a 2-3-2 layout. All have calf rests and a 13.3” touchscreen with Bluetooth audio. Premium passengers can also wirelessly charge their gadgets at their seats.

Economy

Economy has 184 seats in a 2-4-2 layout.

All passengers have a 13.3” screen with a touchscreen and Bluetooth audio to connect headphones, with passengers able to use their phone as a controller. Plus AC power and USB ports to keep gadgets energised.

Here is a more detailed story about the cabin features.


Internet links

Virgin Atlantic (VS)

Airbus A330