Virgin Atlantic has unveiled the cabin interiors of its new Airbus A330-900neo aircraft which for the first time will include a class higher than Upper Class called a Retreat Suite.
Virgin Atlantic Retreat Suite On A300-900neo
Deliveries will begin this autumn for the 16 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft that Virgin Atlantic has ordered as parts of its continuing fleet refresh.
We’ve speculated about what the interior cabins, particularly premium cabins, might look like, but we know we have a better idea…and a surprise.
Upper Class (what Virgin calls its business class product) will see a Thompson Vantage XL seat (much like on the A350-1000), except with privacy doors which close. These will be configured in a 1-2-1 configuration with a total of 30 seats in the cabin.
But in a surprise move, Virgin Atlantic will also debut a “Retreat Suite” on its new A330. This will include just two seats located in the center section of row one that will include:
- a longer bed in lie-flat mode (6 feet, 7 inches)
- guest ottoman for dining with a companion
- 27″ touchscreen TVs with bluetooth connectivity
- wireless charging
Rather than brand this as a separate cabin, these seats will be sold at a £200 one-way premium and be available two weeks prior to departure. These are traditional first class suites and will be wider than business class seats and not just longer, but be open such that feet are not constrained in a cubby hole.
I suspect Virgin had a bit of extra space to work with and chose to try this concept, which reminds me of the Mint Studio on JetBlue’s Airbus A321LR aircraft.
When I fly, I prefer window seats and I also find the Virgin Atlantic Vantage XL seat very comfortable, so I doubt I would pay extra for these seats myself.
Still, I appreciate the innovation. If nothing else, it’s worth a try to see if there is interest in a premium seat beyond Upper Class.
CONCLUSION
Virgin Atlantic will introduce a “Retreat Suite” onboard its new Airbus A300-900neo aircraft. The first class seat will be sold as an upgrade within business class, but receive the same service as other Upper Class passengers.
I’m excited that Virgin Atlantic has embraced the Vantage XL seat in Upper Class, which is a huge improvement over its herringbone seat on older aircraft. The addition of an even more premium seat will mark an interesting experiment.
Would you pay extra for the Retreat Suite on Virgin Atlantic?
Some people would pay. Some wouldn’t. I think it’s the way you view flying. For me, flying is just a way of transportation from point A to point B. No need to pay a lot (might be ’cause I’m not rich). But when you go in style and pay a lot, the possibility of dissatisfaction comes out.
I was not terribly impressed with the a350 seats. Foot space is limited. Their a330’s and 787s, despite being narrow and lacking privacy, were more comfortable.
I get that it might not be a major difference from their standard seat but a nice upgrade for couples traveling together or super tall folks