Virgin Australia (VA) has unveiled the new design of its business class product, which is part of its three-year strategy, Virgin Vision 2017.
Customers can look forward to a new suite-style type of seating in business class, along with extensive upgrades to the cabin such as more spacious seating configurations and new bars on the airline’s B777 aircraft.
Designed by Tangerine London and manufactured by B/E Aerospace, the new business class suites will be available on board VA’s Airbus A330 and B777 aircraft.
The new seats can convert into 80-inch lie-flat beds or be adjusted into a number of different positions to maximise passenger comfort.
Positioned in a 1-2-1 configuration, the seat offers direct aisle access and includes: a unique table holder, a 16 to 18 inch touch screen for entertainment, multiple lighting settings and storage space.
The new design is expected to provide strong competition to the new business class seats unveiled by Qantas last year (see here).
VA’s chief executive officer John Borghetti said: “Today marks a new era for our premium customer experience both domestically and internationally. We believe the sophisticated new suites will set a new standard in business class travel, not just in Australia but around the world”.
Roll out of the new business class product will begin in early 2015, with the carrier’s Airbus A330 fleet being the first to offer the redesigned seats. The first retrofitted aircraft featuring the product will enter service in March and the complete refit is expected to be finalised by August.
Meanwhile, the B777 will begin offering the product from November 2015, with the entire roll out expected to be completed by early 2016. A redesigned business class bar and reduced premium economy cabin will be introduced to provide guests with three inches more legroom.
For more information, visit virginaustralia.com
Clement Huang