The first Airbus A330neo from Virgin Atlantic is almost ready to start operations and usher in a new era for the British airline. The aircraft was already seen with the complete painting and is expected to be delivered next month.
Scheduled to enter into operation on October 12, Virgin's new Airbus A330neo will also debut the company's flights to Boston in the US. As a tradition, the company names its planes after British icons, and the chosen one for the new plane will be Billie Holiday, a jazz singer.
The order was placed in 2019 during the Paris Air Show, the agreement provides for the delivery of 16 new aircraft by 2026. Half of these new aircraft will be purchased by Virgin Atlantic, the other part is through a leasing agreement.
Initially scheduled to fly between London-Heathrow and Boston, by the end of the year the British company should have three Airbus A330neo in its fleet, allowing it to expand the operations of the new aircraft to the US such as Tampa and Miami in place of the A330-300. New York should have the plane daily starting next year.
The choice for the A330neo was due to the aircraft's capacity combined with its great autonomy, allowing long flights between continents with lower operating costs, in addition to being a more sustainable aircraft.
Fresh from the paint shop, our @Airbus A330neo livery has officially landed 🎨
We can't wait for Billie Holiday to our fleet. We think you'll all agree that she's ready to take to the stage as our next flying lady. pic.twitter.com/lWiVAcQrIk
- virginatlantic (@VirginAtlantic) September 6, 2022
ADVERTISING
Elevated comfort level with new cabin
The spacious cabin of the Airbus A330neo allows the Virgin Atlantic configure your new aircraft more comfortably. One of the company's bets would be to raise the level of comfort on board in all classes.
The new plane marks a new concept for the British company, which opted for a completely renovated cabin with a lot of technology on board. The A330neo will be divided into three classes and with a social area.
Upper Class
The big news is on of the Upper Class, a class where there are two exclusive suites located at the front of the aircraft.
The seats are extremely spacious, even allowing them to be transformed into a 180º reclining bed. In front of each seat is a 27-inch HD screen that features Bluetooth for wireless headphone connection as well as wireless charging. Seats have outlets.
The Upper Class suite also allows the enger to invite a person or two depending on who is next to them, to sit in the suite for dinner, to play through the entertainment or simply to chat.
The seats have exclusive luggage racks that are also larger in capacity, in addition to the 'Do Not Disturb' function, to give greater privacy to engers flying Upper Class.
In addition to its suites, Virgin Atlantic's Airbus A330neo will offer a further 30 seats in a 1x2x1 executive configuration, with a slightly smaller cabin but still offering similar benefits.
The other seats have a private space, with individual lighting that can be controlled by the enger. The screens will also be high definition but a little smaller, with 17,3 inches in addition to a mirror inside the space.
The colors will be in darker tones and the seats covered in leather.
The Loft
Upper Class engers will be able to enjoy Virgin's biggest novelty on the new plane, The Loft space. It is a living area located after the Upper Class cabin that offers comfortable seating for socializing and also a bar.
The space will have capacity for eight people, but with only four seats. There will still be 27-inch entertainment screens similar to the Upper Class with Bluetooth connectivity for headphones.
The space will have a self-service bar throughout the trip, which will be open according to the instructions of the crew.
Economy
As a trend in airlines around the world, Virgin Atlantic will also have its own on board the new Airbus A330neo. However, the company will call this class just .
With wide seats, the company configured space for 46 engers in a 2x2x2 configuration. seats have greater recline, space between seats and foot .
For entertainment, 13,3-inch high-definition screens with Bluetooth connection were installed. There will also be a wireless charger right in the seat. The seats will have the predominant color in dark tones, with more padded leather upholstery.
Economy
Virgin Atlantic's Economy will also have a better level of comfort than other older aircraft. Distributed in a 2x4x2 configuration, totaling 184 engers in this class.
Inside Economy there will be 28 seats with a larger space, which will be sold by the company as Economy Delight. All seats will have USB sockets to charge electronic devices.
All seats will feature 13,3-inch entertainment screens, with Bluetooth connectivity, and can connect telephone devices to be controls for the entertainment system.
Economy seat colors are mostly in darker tones and complemented by Virgin's red tone.
“The A330neo plays a significant role in transforming our multi-billion dollar fleet, demonstrating our commitment to the planet. We know that the most impactful thing we can do as an airline is to fly the cleanest, greenest and youngest fleet possible, and the Airbus A330neo is essential to achieving that goal. It truly is an airplane for the future.” said Corneel Koster, director of operations and customers.
