Virgin Atlantic ordered 14 brand-spanking-new aircraft. Virgin is about to introduce the world to its A330-900neo. The launch of this brand-new aircraft will be combined with a new route to the airport next week.
Virgin put this aircraft into service with a flight to Boston in the middle of the week.
We wanted to be on Virgin's very first commercial A330-900neo flight, so we could get a first look inside the aircraft and shoot a video.
Thankfully, reward seats were available via the Virgin Flying Club in all cabins.
There is a review of Virgin Atlantic's A350 leisure configuration in upper class.
We found ourselves flying during a peak time for the Flying Club. If we flew during an off-peak time, the points rates would have been 47,500, 17,500 and 10,000 in each cabin. Fees and taxes would not be different.
This new aircraft type is part of Virgin's drive towards a younger fleet.
The A330-900neo is more fuel- and carbon- efficient than the A330-300s that Virgin is replacing. Virgin's fleet will average just 7 years old if it goes ahead with its plans.
Nicky Kelley is from The Points Guy.
Virgin flies a new plane with new products in all cabins. There are new seats in Upper Class, Premium and Economy on this aircraft.
You can sign up for our newsletter.
The other passengers were able to take pictures before we boarded. I was immediately hit by the smell of a new plane when I entered.
The flight crew was gathered in the Retreat Suite to learn about the new product. A sense of anticipation was present. Other Virgin staff members, including those who work in the airport, on the ground and in Virgin's head office, were also there to sneak a peak at their newest baby and make sure smooth running on its maiden passenger voyage.
Three years have passed since we last saw a new version of Virgin's Upper Class. Virgin is back with something bigger, better and bolder than ever before. I was a fan of the Upper Class suite on the A350, but the A330-900neo seat went further to solve some of its downfalls, such as its lack of storage.
The Upper Class cabin has eight rows arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration with 30 business class suites and two retreat suites.
If I were a solo traveler, I would choose window seats in even-numbered rows because they are closer to the window and give me a bit more privacy. In even-numbered rows, the center-pair seats are closer together than in odd- numbered rows, where they are separated by a central console. The center seats have a divider between them.
The seat is sleek and smart with leather upholstery and red stitching. The upright, reclined and lie-flat positions make sitting in the seat very comfortable.
The seat controls on the side of the suite let you recline all the way into a flat bed. Virgin's product requires the seat to be fully flipped over in order to become flat.
Nicky Kelley is from The Points Guy.
It was snug around the feet when trying to sleep. If you can wriggle in your sleep like I can, you might be able to. There were larger footwells in the window seats.
There is a tray table under the console. It was large enough for my Macbook to fit. It was comfortable to eat and work on.
Nicky Kelley is from The Points Guy.
Unlike the Upper Class Suite on the A350-1000, the door on this suite closes completely, making it more private. If you have ever been to Delta One Suites, you will know the sliding door.
Nicky Kelley is from The Points Guy.
Universal charging ports, a wireless phone charging option, and a reading light are included in the package. There is a small box in the seat that holds canned water and headphones.
Nicky Kelley is from The Points Guy.
There are two seats in the front row of the Upper-Class cabin in the Retreat Suite.
Nicky Kelley is from The Points Guy.
The option to upgrade to a retreat suite for a cash fee is available 14 days before departure, but I didn't receive any communication about it. The seats will be offered to Flying Club elites if no one pays. My Virgin Flying Club gold elite status did not help. As the service becomes available on more routes, the process ofUpgrading to the Retreat Suite will become simpler.
We were able to sit in the seats before they were handed over to our rightful owners because Virgin allowed us to board early.
In terms of space and comfort, the seat is a huge step up, especially when compared to Virgin's oldest so-called "coffin" seats in Upper Class.
The largest seats ever offered by Virgin Atlantic are in the retreat suite. It should be said that the seats are wonderful. There is a sense of space around you. The Retreat Suite is a bit more secluded than the other suites and it's almost like you're in a movie. The retreat suite is big.
Nicky Kelley is from The Points Guy.
The set-up of the buddy seat allows you to join other passengers for a meal or drinks, and it has a cushion not found in the other seats. Four people can come together and sit facing each other in the sky with the privacy screen down.
British Airways' first-class bed is an inch taller than the Retreat Suites' full flat bed.
Compared to other seats, the inflight entertainment screens are a significant step up. It is possible to enjoy your movies and TV above the clouds with 27 inch screens and crystal-clear images.
Nicky Kelley is from The Points Guy.
The large tray tables are very stable.
There is a deep storage box located in each of the Retreat Suites seats, which is handy for small bags or other personal items.
Nicky Kelley is from The Points Guy.
I am not sure how good the Retreat Suite option will be. If you want to sit in the seats that are available, you'll have to pay extra. Only Upper-Class passengers are allowed to join you in your seat. You will need to forgo a window seat as well.
If the stars align, it is a fun concept that could be upgraded for a couple of hundred dollars or less.
Virgin Atlantic has revealed a brand new Upper Class for its A330neo fleet.
There isn't a bar on the plane. The Virgin Loft is a newer version of the A330-900neo.
There is space for eight passengers to hang out, and the seats are a little higher, according to Virgin. My legs didn't touch the floor when I sat deep into the seats, which could be uncomfortable for some.
You can connect your headphones to the large entertainment screens with the help of a wireless charging port. On this flight, there was a selection of ice cream and alcohol in the self-service fridge.
During the flight, I enjoyed this space a lot. It was a great place to relax and hang out with other passengers, many of whom were just as excited as me to be on this maiden flight and get a picture with the wonderful crew.
The best way to fly Virgin Atlantic.
There are 46 seats in the Premium cabin. Premium seats have larger screens than the regular seats. You can put your phone on the lightning bolt to charge it.
Nicky Kelley is from The Points Guy.
There are 156 Economy Classic seats with a 31 inch pitch and 28 Economy Delight seats with a 34 inch pitch. The seats are in a 2-4-2 configuration, except for the last few rows where they switch to a 3-4-2 configuration.
Virgin's biggest screen in its basic cabin is the 13.3-inch IFE screens.
Nicky Kelley is from The Points Guy.
The A330-900neo is a huge step up from its predecessors, from the efficiency gains to the upgraded comfort in the cabins. Virgin had solved many of the complaints about its older seats, and I loved my time on the plane.
The atmosphere of a new launch with so many other AvGeeks and Bloggers flying at the same time, sharing a passion for aviation and wanting to be part of Virgin Atlantic history was wonderful. This was a good time for the airline after a couple of bad years.
The A330-900neo will be flying to a number of cities in the coming months. Flying Club guarantees at least two Upper Class award seats available per flight, so you can fly this stunning new product at a great rate. If you are able to take advantage of Virgin Atlantic's latest redemption deal, there is a 50% discount for all award seats to and from the U.S. and the Caribbean. If you get the chance to fly the A330-900neo, you should take it.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
