- Virgin Australia unveils brand-new aircraft interior design prototype withup to40 per cent extra ability to recline in Business Class.
- Two Boeing 737-800 aircraft in the airline's fleet have been fitted with the new seats and interior features, as part of an initial trial.
- Following feedback from the trial, Virgin Australia will consider the design for future aircraft acquired as part of the airline's fleet expansion,which is already underway.
Thursday 11 November 2021:In a video released onTikToktoday, Virgin Australia has exclusively unveiled its newinteriordesign prototype, featuring a refreshed seatexperiencewhich will initially be trialled on two of the airline's nine new Boeing 737-800aircraft.
Mirroring the configuration of Virgin Australia's existing Boeing 737-800 fleet interior, eight new Business Class and 162 Economy seatshave been fitted with the distinctive new horizontal rib design, providing guests added support and comfort when they fly.
In a nod to Virgin Australia's existing signature design elements, thefamous purple LED interior lighting that adorns VirginAustraliaaircrafthas returned, and an embossed leaf pattern design which is evident in majority of the airline'sairportlounges has been pressed into theEconomy headrests.
Business Class features
Business Class seats boast an extra recline of seven inches, which isup to40 per cent more than current Business Class seats, as well as a customisableleg and footrests for additional comfort while travelling.
Along with enhanced seating features,the airline has fitted the prototype cabin with self-deployable, non-slip cocktail tables, perfect for apre-departure bubbles,as well as movable tray tables with in-built device holders- assisting in maximising space and usability during meal service.
There are also additional in-seat storage cubbies for personal items, including a high-powered USB charging port.
Economy features
In a first for Virgin Australia, the airline's Economy cabin seating features a seatback device holder, which accommodates everything from a small smartphone to a larger tablet, making the use of personal devices for entertainment in the air easier than it has ever been before.
Another noticeable feature is the upper safety card and menu stowage, freeing up seat pocket space for the safekeeping of personal belongings.
Guests who upgrade toEconomyXwillstill enjoy stretching out with 40per centextra legroom.
Commentary
Virgin Australia Group Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Paul Jones, said the new interior added to a long list of customer enhancements the airline has rolled-out since relaunching almost 12 months ago.
"We are excited to unveil our new interior prototype which we are going to trial over the next few months," said Mr Jones.
"Virgin Australia iscommitted to being a customer-led business,so once we receive feedback from our guests and crew, we'llconsiderimplementingelements of the new design asour fleet grows.
"We can't wait for guests to experience the new interior for themselves if they're lucky enough to fly on either of the twoaircraft that have initially been fitted with the new design.
"We're really focussed on creating great experiences for our guests and the design has been carefully considered to implement thoughtful features that we know will make travelling with Virgin Australia all that more enjoyable.
"We're looking forward to seeing how the new design will influence our fleet moving forward aswecontinue to expandour fleet and networkas the market recovers," he said.
DOWNLOADimages of aircraft interior
VIEWTikTok
CUSTOMER IMPROVEMENTS
- The unveiling of thetrialinterior prototype follows a long list of customer enhancements since Virgin Australia was relaunched in 2020, including, but not limited to:
- A simplified fare structure, providing customers with some of the best value airfares in themarket;
- A long list of new destinations, with Virgin Australia launching 12 new return domestic services since September2021;
- The resumption of international airline partnerships connecting customers and Velocity members to hundreds of destinations around the world, with:
- Virgin Atlantic
- Air Canada
- Delta Air Lines
- Etihad Airways
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- South African Airways
- New and fresh Business Class andLounge menusand the launch of the buy-onboard menu for Economyguests;
- The re-opening of a network of Virgin Australia domestic lounges including new-look lounges in Melbourne andAdelaide;
- A commitment to re-open premium lounges (formerly known as The Club) in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane by early2022;
- New Velocity Frequent Flyer everyday earn partnerships, making it easier for members to earn Points to get to their next dream reward faster; and
- A schedule of short-haul international services to Fiji, Bali and New Zealand.
