Virgin Australia today unveiled the new business and economy cabin interiors that will set the standard for its entire Boeing fleet, after taking delivery of its first next-generation B737-8 aircraft in Brisbane last week.
Virgin currently has 33 B737-8 and 737-10 aircraft on order, with more jets to arrive in the coming months.
To provide a consistent offering across its fleet, the airline also today announced an upgrade worth around $110 million to its remaining Boeing aircraft interiors.
Across all cabins, the new B737-8 interior will boast in-seat power for every passenger and 50 per cent larger overhead bins.
Business class cabins will feature wider seats, leg rests with extendable footrests, storage compartments, tablet/device holders and water bottle holders.
Economy seats will boast a new ribbed backing “to elevate comfort and ergonomics”, and a personal tablet/device holder to aid in-flight entertainment.
The refresh of Virgin’s remaining Boeing fleet will see business and economy seats match those in the new B737-8 aircraft.
Additionally, the airline will install six to 12 extra seats in economy, thanks to the introduction of a new cabin divider, which will allow for greater floor space in the economy cabin. The carrier says the new configuration won’t impact passengers’ legroom.
Meanwhile, VA will also roll out inflight wi-fi and free entertainment (via a guest’s own personal device) to the “majority” of the remaining fleet as part of its renewal program.
The upgrades are set to start later this year and are due for completion in the next two years.
First look
To mark the arrival of the first B737-8, the carrier hosted over 3,000 team members and their families today at the airline’s Brisbane Hangar as part of a Virgin Australia Family Day.
“Our people are the special sauce at Virgin Australia, and we are thrilled to be giving them and their families the first look at this aircraft and its new interior,” said Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka, who co-hosted the event.
“Today is also an important milestone for Virgin Australia as we grow and renew our fleet and continue investing in our onboard guest experience.
“Sustainability is so important for the future of the airline industry globally and fleet renewal is a major step in reducing carbon emissions intensity.
“We anticipate our fleet renewal program, together with other fuel efficiency initiatives, will support over 80 per cent of our 2030 interim target to reduce Virgin Australia’s carbon emission intensity by 22 per cent.”
Event co-host, Boeing President of Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, Maria Fernandez also praised the new aircraft’s lighter footprint.
“This aircraft is incredibly fuel efficient and quiet; it also serves as a symbol of our long and growing partnership with Virgin Australia as we collaborate on sustainability initiatives that are important to both our companies and stakeholders,” she remarked.
Listening to customers
On the new aircraft interiors, Virgin Australia Group Chief Customer and Digital Officer Paul Jones said the new offering was a collaborative effort between the airline and passengers.
“In 2021 we introduced a prototype cabin interior on two Boeing 737-800 aircraft, and over the last couple of years we’ve been able to obtain feedback from our guests, which enables us to enhance our entire Boeing fleet with the features that are most important to them,” he stated.
“If you look at the business community, what matters most to them outside of network schedule is in-seat power and in-flight wi-fi, so I’m really excited that will feature on the majority of our fleet.
“There’s also a huge number of customers who fly with us for leisure who value in-seat power for a different reason – powering devices to keep their kids entertained, or streaming and bingeing on the latest must-see shows.
“With the reconfiguration of our cabin interior, we are also able to add more seats to the market without changing the legroom experience, providing Australian travellers with even more choice and great value airfares as well as a consistent in-flight experience.”
The new B737-8 aircraft will fly on Virgin’s recently-launched Cairns-Tokyo Haneda route from 30 July 2023. The new service marks the first time the carrier has flown to Japan.
Meanwhile, VA announced it has flown nearly 19 million domestic customers in the past 12 months, a record feat for the airline.
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