Virgin Australia has today unveiled its new international cabin upgrades with the first of its refitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft now flying across the Pacific and it’s stunning.
The new products underscore that the airline really means business and is after a bigger share of the market.
Business class gets new suites which are more like first class, while premium economy gets a refresh and the airline has introduced a new product economy space +.
In business class there are 37 individual and private suites that convert into the length of a queen size bed at 80 inches and they are set in a reverse herringbone layout, maximising privacy and enabling 100 per cent direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration.
Virgin's new economy plus upgrade
And there is loads of space to work, multi task and store personal items, with a bedside amenity nook for easy access while resting.
But the real plus is a triple-layer seat cushion supported by a hammock sub-frame with a memory foam mattress topper that guarantees a good sleep.
And if you don’t want to sleep the largest in-flight entertainment screen flying between Australia and North America, with an 18 inch High Definition touch screen.
The airline has also revamped and expanded its business class bar and lounge and it now rivals Emirates A380 business class bar.
You can also take continental breakfast at the bar.
This morning Virgin Australia Group CEO John Borghetti said: “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.”
The improvements to the 24-seat premium economy cabin are numerous with more legroom than any other Australian airline is offering.
Now just called “Premium” the offering includes seat pitch of 41 inches – 10 inches more than economy – with a 19.5 inch wide seat with nine inches of recline.
Passengers get a plated meal services served on business class crockery and accompanied by a selection of wines from the business class cellar.
There is dedicated check-in, priority boarding and priority baggage, enabling Premium guests to speed through airport formalities.
Virgin Australia Chief Customer Officer Mark Hassell said: “We have completely overhauled the Premium cabin experience to create a new travelling environment with business class style and flair.”
The airline has also unveiled a new product, called Economy Space +, which is designed to make travel more comfortable and seamless.
On sale from tomorrow, Economy Space + will be available for flights commencing 30th of August 2016.
It costs just between A$135 and A$165 one way when selecting your seat through virginaustralia.com or through a travel agent.
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, preferred overhead locker; dedicated crew members throughout the flight; guaranteed first meal choice; and premium noise-cancelling headset.
Mr Hassell said that the airline believed Economy Space + will be very popular with a range of travellers.
“Economy Space + enables you to speed through the airport and enjoy service from dedicated crew members throughout the flight, providing great value for guests travelling to Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi,” said Mr Hassell
