Virgin Australia has revealed its first 301-seat A330 fitted out with its new Business Class suites, setting what is calls “a new standard” in domestic business class around the world.
The new suites says the airline have the world’s longest and widest fully lie-flat bed in domestic business class, set in a reverse herringbone cabin layout, maximising privacy and enabling 100 per cent direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration.
At the launch in Sydney, Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer John Borghetti said that “Virgin Australia has once again changed the game in domestic business class travel.”
He added that “in 2011, we brought choice and competition to Business Class in Australia for the first time in a decade. The launch of the Business Class suites today sets a new standard in domestic business class around the world.”
“We believe this new product will ensure that Virgin Australia is the number one choice for premium travellers on the all-important trans-continental routes,” said Mr Borghetti.
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Later this year the airline will give similar treatments to its international fleet of Boeing 777s.
“Virgin Australia is committed to maintaining a competitive advantage in customer experience. The new suites are a major product innovation under Virgin Vision 2017 and an important part of our strategy,” said Mr Borghetti.
Other features of the A330 business class makeover include
• The latest in in-flight comfort, with ample space to multi-task, customised triple-layer seat cushion supported by a hammock sub-frame and a turndown service with memory foam mattress toppers and high-grade cotton pillows and doonas;
• High Definition 16″ touch screens featuring the Virgin Australia Entertainment seatback system with an enhanced graphical user interface;
• Individualised, award-winning service1 from dedicated Virgin Australia cabin crew;
• A restaurant-style, hand-delivered fine dining experience enabling guests to dine when they want, with new Luke Mangan-designed menus and premium Australian wines; and
• A world-first collaboration with Nespresso which aims to deliver the finest coffee in the sky.
The new 1-2-1 seating configuration ensures every passenger has 100 per cent direct aisle access and ample privacy to work, and rest.
In addition to the physical transformation, an enhanced restaurant-style meal service with new Luke Mangan menus has been designed, enabling passengers to dine whenever they choose.
For guests wishing to maximise the time to work and rest while on board, a new Express Dining option is available.
The suites, originally inspired by the interiors of some of the world’s most premium automotive designs, were customised in conjunction with renowned design agency, Tangerine London, Virgin Australia Creative Director Hans Hulsbosch, of leading brand agency Hulsbosch, and manufactured by B/E Aerospace.
Virgin’s fleet of A330s will be all upgraded by October this year.
