Following recent attention as a finalist in the Crystal Cabin Awards for its A330 business class, Virgin Australia has unveiled the new international business class cabin for its refitted Boeing 777-300ER fleet – now dubbed ‘The Business’.
The Tangerine design consultancy again worked with the airline to create the cabins, with the 37-seat business class featuring a customized version of the B/E Aerospace Super Diamond platform, a reverse herringbone design that enables 100% direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration.
When the 80in bed is deployed, comfort is assured by the customized triple-layer seat cushion supported by a hammock sub-frame, which is complemented by a turndown service with memory foam mattress toppers and high-grade cotton pillows and doonas (duvets).
Above: At 18in, The Business features the largest IFE screen flying between Australia and North America
Business class travelers can also enjoy a new bar and lounge area, which will opens after the first meal service and is hosted by cabin crew, offering a selection of snacks and drinks, as well as a hot beverage selection with petit fours. Guests can also opt to have breakfast at the bar rather than in their suites.
Virgin Australia Group CEO John Borghetti said: “Virgin Australia is committed to product innovation and delivering a superior customer journey on the ground and in the air. We have seen customer satisfaction scores increasing to all-time highs after introducing ‘The Business’ domestically on transcontinental routes so we are confident that, with our new Boeing 777 business class cabin and refreshed Premium [premium economy] cabin, Virgin Australia will be the number one choice for premium travelers.”
Above: A rendering of the business class bar and lounge, also designed by Tangerine
The airline has also unveiled major improvements to its 24-seat premium economy cabin, which has been renamed ‘Premium’. The seats all have a 41in seat pitch, 19.5in seat width and 9in of recline, and Premium guests enjoy similar service to business class, in terms of crew, crockery and wine selection.
Premium guests can also watch a 10.6in seatback IFE display with a refreshed GUI, complemented with an hourly movie snack service and in-seat power and USB outlets.
Virgin Australia Chief Customer Officer Mark Hassell said: “We have completely overhauled the Premium cabin experience to create a new travelling environment with business class style and flair.
“Premium is an important product for us and we are committed to ensuring those higher yielding customers receive value for money,” Hassell added.
Virgin Australia has also announced Economy Space +, which is a new spacious section of the B777 main cabin. The first five rows and the exit rows of economy feature extra legroom as well as a range of other features.
All five of the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft are expected to be refitted by the third quarter of 2016.
You can take a walk through the cabin features in our video section HERE.
