The airline has taken inspiration from high-end fashion houses and the automotive industry to create a classic luxury feel for its new Upper Class product which features 82-inch flatbed seats and new social space, The Loft.
A new configuration means seats, in a 1-2-1 layout, now face out towards windows while the flatbed seats will be easier to operate than its predecessor.
Each suite has a drop-down table with smooth-glide positioning, cocktail table, shelving, improved storage, 18.5-inch touchscreen monitor and adjustable lighting options.
A new social space, The Loft, replaces the bar area Virgin has been famous for.
With belted seating for up to six passengers, this area includes a 32-inch monitor for shared viewing, Bluetooth headset options, power outlets and USB ports.
The Loft will also act as an ‘aspirational gateway’ leading to Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
Both will have the largest entertainment screens ever offered at 13.3 inches in Premium and 11.6 inches in Economy.
New Premium seats have a seven-inch recline, increased space for storage and a four-way adjustable headrest.
Economy seats have been upgraded with new fabrics and adjustable headrests.
The airline’s first A350 will begin flying in August between London Heathrow and New York JFK.
Virgin has 12 Airbus A350-1000 on order which are due to join the fleet by 2021.
Daniel Kerzner, VP of Customer Experience at Virgin Atlantic, told The Business Travel Magazine: “Our mission on this project was to challenge everything we know and build something totally innovative, something for passengers to fall in love with.”
Kerzner added: “Every detail is intended to make this the dreamiest aircraft possible and provoke emotion in our passengers. The result is something super comfy, super stylish and unmistakably Virgin.”
