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Virgin Atlantic has unveiled images of the interiors of its new Airbus A330neo aircraft.
Virgin ordered up to 16 Airbus A330neo aircraft in 2019. The first aircraft will arrive in September this year. As is common for new aircraft at Virgin it will first operate to Boston, one of its relatively shorter routes, from October.
Three aircraft are expected to arrive this year. The remaining aircraft will be delivered between 2023 and 2026.
At the time of the order it was intended they would operate across Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester. Much of course has changed since then.
Virgin has not indicated this aircraft will have separate configurations for relatively business and leisure heavy routes, like the Airbus A350.
There is only so much you can discern from images and cabin mock-ups. The real test is when the aircraft is flying with passengers, but here are the details released by Virgin.
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Upper Class Retreat Suite
The main innovation on this aircraft are two centre seats at the front of the Upper Class cabin, branded in characteristic Virgin style as the “Retreat Suite”.
This fully forward facing seat converts into a 6 foot 7 inch fully flat bed. It also has an ottoman so two passengers can dine facing each other. In theory, four passengers can sit together across the two seats.
These seats also benefit from a larger 27 inch touchscreen TV. Virgin is expected to charge a premium for these two seats. The main downside of course is the absence of a window view.
This follows a recent trend of airlines maximising space on the aircraft with “business plus” type seats, as Air New Zealand has with its “Business Premier Luxe” seat on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
Upper Class
The aircraft also features 30 fully forward facing Upper Class suites.
These are configured in a 1 – 2 – 1 configuration. As you can see from the window seats above, the seats alternative by row to be aligned to either the aisle or the window.
The seat benefits from a 17.3 inch touch screen TV and a range of improved storage options.
Unlike the Upper Class suite on Airbus A350 aircraft this does feature a fully closing door. Virgin previously claimed this wasn’t necessary as its passengers are “a social bunch”.
Social Space
Like the Airbus A350 aircraft, the Airbus A330neo features “The Loft” social space.
This has seating for up to 8 passengers with a self service fridge and drinks dispenser as well as two 27″ touchscreens.
This is located at the rear of the Upper Class cabin, near Door 2 of the aircraft.
Premium
The aircraft features 46 Premium seats in a 2 – 3 -2 configuration.
The Premium seat pitch remains at 38 inches. Passengers can also connect earphones to the 13.3 inch touchscreen TV via Bluetooth. A wireless charging pad is also available.
Economy
The economy cabin features 28 “Economy Delight” seats with a 34 inch seat pitch and 157 “Economy Classic” seats with a 31 inch seat pitch.
These are in a 2 – 4 -2 configuration, save for the last rows which are in a 2 – 3 – 2 configuration.
All economy seats benefit from a larger 13.3 inch touchscreen TV, with a bluetooth audio connection and at seat charging.
A full seat map is available from Virgin Atlantic.
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