Virgin Atlantic is putting the fun back into flying Economy with a range of new services available on its latest 787-9 Dreamliner. From after dinner chocolates and retro style usherette ice-cream service, to unique and innovative onboard technology including automated window
tint and integrated lighting systems to help reduce jetlag, flying Economy class has never been better (see the video below).
Gia Acitelli, Regional General Manager South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand at Virgin Atlantic Airways says, the 787-9 Dreamliner places a greater emphasis on setting high standards in air travel.
“Economy class accounts for 75% of passengers onboard our latest 787-9 Dreamliner. With 198 seats available, Virgin Atlantic have focused on improving the flying experience for our Economy passengers. We believe it’s important to offer these travellers enhanced services
and the latest technologies to ensure their comfort and enjoyment during long-haul flights.”
Since its debut in October 2014, Virgin Atlantic has launched an additional six 787-9 Dreamliner aircrafts, with more scheduled to arrive before the end of 2015. The latest aircraft in Virgin’s fleet is fitted with the best in class Economy 198 Racaro 3620 seats, with greater leg room, wider aisles and increased storage space. Virgin Atlantic has also maintained traditional Economy service, as one of the few airlines to still offer amenities kits for overnight flights, while also upgrading the cabin with the latest technology and social media concepts.
“The #skyhighselfie concept is a prime example of how Virgin has integrated the latest technology in offer a premium service. Coinciding with the launches of the Dreamliner aircraft, passengers were offered the opportunity to connect to Virgin Atlantic’s wireless network free of charge to post an update to Facebook, while in the air.”
“Virgin Atlantic has also pioneered a revolutionary synchronised infinity mood lighting systems so passengers can board, dine, relax and sleep all in the perfect lighting. The various colours of light have been calculated to adjust to the destination’s time zone throughout the flight, in order to help reduce jetlag,” says Acitelli.
Commencing the flight, the light begins at a soft rose champagne. Transitioning into a warm amber to mimic a candlelit dinner during dining times, the lights then change to a silver
moonlight to help travellers fall asleep. An eight-minute ‘sunrise’ sequence has also been designed to gradually wake travellers to prepare them for disembarking into the new time
zone.
