Virgin Australia has launched their new refurbished 777-300ER on the popular Sydney to Los Angeles route from Monday 16 May, 2016.
With new seats and bars in both the Business Class and Premium Economy cabins, Virgin Australia has yet again revolutionised the skies with a fresh approach to flying.
The Business
First launched on the carriers A330 aircraft for flights between Perth and the east coast, The Business has now been refitted to the carriers long-haul, 777-300ER aircraft.
New features include:
- 37 individual and private suites that convert into the length of a queen size bed at 80 inches.
- Reverse herringbone cabin layout, maximising privacy with direct aisle access for all passengers in a 1-2-1 configuration.
- Generous side console area providing ample space to work, multitask and store personal items, with the addition of a bedside amenity nook for easy access while resting.
- Customised, triple-layer seat cushion, supported by a hammock sub-frame with a turndown service featuring memory foam mattress toppers and high-grade cotton pillows and doonas.
- The largest in-flight entertainment screen flying between Australia and North America – an an 18-inch, High Definition, touch screen featuring the Virgin Australia Entertainment seatback system and a stylish new intuitive user interface.
- Luke Mangan designed menus paired with premium wines and delivered in a fine dining, à la carte or Express Dining experience.
- A world-first partnership with Nespresso served in ‘The Business’ and the Business Class Bar and Lounge.
- Three new Signature Service elements designed to enhance Virgin Australia’s award-winning service including:
- Cocktail and Canapé Service offered prior to first meal service with a choice of Bellini, Kir Royale or Mimosa, along with a Luke Mangan-designed canapé plate;
- The new Business Class Bar and Lounge, which is opened after the first meal service and hosted by Business Class cabin crew, offering a selection of nibbles and bites, beer, wine and spirits and hot beverage selection with petit fours; and
- Continental breakfast at the bar prior to the full breakfast service, or the opportunity to enjoy a full breakfast at the bar rather than in the suite.
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.
“With competition increasing from Australia to North America and the Middle East, we believe this will be the best Business Class on the Pacific, with the product also being introduced to Abu Dhabi later this year.
“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 cabin, Virgin Australia will be the number one choice for premium travellers,” Mr Borghetti said.
Premium Economy
Changes to the Premium Economy cabin include new seats, a new stand-up self-serve bar area, plus the most legroom offered across the Pacific.
Key features include:
- An exclusive and intimate cabin size of 24 seats only, with dedicated Business Class-trained crew;
- More legroom with an increased seat pitch of 41 inches;
- A roomy 19.5-inch seat width with 9 inches of recline;
- Plated meal services inspired by Business Class, served on Business Class crockery and accompanied by a selection of wines from the Business Class cellar;
- The introduction of Nespresso coffee and Madame Tea along with a 'Premium Pantry' for exclusive use by Premium Economy guests during the flight;
- Two new Signature Service elements including cocktails and Movie Snack service each hour throughout the flight;
- 10.6-inch screen featuring the Virgin Australia setback system with a stylish new intuitive user interface;
- In-seat power and a USB outlet for charging personal electronic devices;
- Amenity packs with luxurious blankets, pillows and skincare products; and
- Dedicated check-in area, Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage.
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.
“We know all of our guests have differing needs which is why we have considered every touch point in Premium. From increased legroom to Business Class-trained crew, a plated meal service and a dedicated Premium Pantry, our Premium guests will be travelling in style.
“Premium guests will be welcomed on board with a cocktail and offered movie snacks, such as dumplings, ice cream and chocolate, throughout the flight.
“Premium is an important product for us and we are committed to ensuring those higher yielding customers receive value for money,” Mr Hassell said.
