Virgin Atlantic just flew its first-ever A330-900neo on a brand new route from London to Florida — take a look inside the swanky jet

Taylor RainsNov 4, 2022, 21:27 IST

Richard Branson and Shai Weiss with Virgin's A330-900neo after inaugural to Tampa.Virgin Atlantic Airways

Virgin Atlantic Airways just launched its first-ever flight between London and Tampa, Florida on Wednesday.
The carrier used an Airbus A330-900neo on the route, which is the first of the type in its fleet.

Virgin Atlantic Airways just launched its first-ever route from London to Tampa, Florida on Wednesday, complementing its current service to Miami and Orlando.

Richard Branson on Virgin's A330-900neo after inaugural to Tampa.Virgin Atlantic Airways

The England-based carrier used its swanky new Airbus A330-900neo for the flight, which it first flew to Boston on October 27.

Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.Airbus

The A330neo is the latest addition to the company's fleet, joining its Airbus A350, the previous-generation A330, and Boeing 787 widebodies.

Virgin Atlantic A330-300s.Bradley Caslin/Shutterstock

The aircraft, which was named Billie Holiday for the famous American jazz singer, will replace Virgin's aging A330s and modernize its fleet.

Airbus

Virgin CEO Shai Weiss told Insider that Tampa was of particular interest because it is a great destination for both leisure and business travelers, saying the plethora of UK companies based in the metropolitan area creates a large market.

Richard Branson and Shai Weiss with Virgin's A330-900neo after inaugural to Tampa.Virgin Atlantic Airways

Virgin CEO Shai Weiss told Insider that Tampa was of particular interest because it is a great destination for both leisure and business travelers, saying the plethora of UK companies based in the metropolitan area creates a large market.

With 15 more planes on order, the carrier plans to expand the A330neo service to Miami and New York, though Tampa will be the only city exclusively served by the new plane.

Airbus

With 15 more planes on order, the carrier plans to expand the A330neo service to Miami and New York, though Tampa will be the only city exclusively served by the new plane.

Virgin is the first UK airline to acquire the A330neo, which it says will create the greenest fleet in the sky.

Virgin's A330-900neo in the paint shop.Airbus

Compared to its predecessor, the A330neo burns 11% less fuel, and is "leather-free" and "90% plastic-free," Weiss told Insider.

Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine on Virgin's A330-900neo.Airbus

"We're calling on all airlines to invest in fleets, and we're doing a big push on sustainable aviation fuels," Weiss said. "There's not enough SAF in the world, let alone the UK, so there is a lot of work to be done in our quest for net-zero by 2050 and 10% SAF by 2030."

Fueling Virgin's A330-900neo with SAF before flying to London for delivery.Airbus

"We're calling on all airlines to invest in fleets, and we're doing a big push on sustainable aviation fuels," Weiss said. "There's not enough SAF in the world, let alone the UK, so there is a lot of work to be done in our quest for net-zero by 2050 and 10% SAF by 2030."

While the company is laser-focused on sustainability, it has also taken great strides in its customer experience.

Virgin Atlantic Airways

The A330neo is a perfect example of its innovation, with new cabin products that bring more space and comfort than ever before — take a look.

Airbus

The plane is configured with a total of 262 seats, including 32 in Upper Class in a 1x2x1 layout…

Virgin Atlantic Airways

…46 in premium economy in a 2x3x2 configuration...

Virgin Atlantic Airways

…and 184 in regular economy in a 2x4x2 layout. The total capacity is actually less than Virgin's A330ceos, which has up to 267 seats depending on the type.

Economy class on Virgin's A330-300.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

Weiss told Insider this was because the company could only fit so many seats in the NEO with the new innovations in the cabin, like the Retreat Suite, that still ensured passengers are comfortable.

Virgin's A330-900neo.Airbus

Weiss told Insider this was because the company could only fit so many seats in the NEO with the new innovations in the cabin, like the Retreat Suite, that still ensured passengers are comfortable.

The Retreat Suite is the newest product on Virgin, offering the most space in the carrier's history. It is located at the front of the carrier's signature Upper Class.

The Retreat Suite before taking off from London to Tampa.Virgin Atlantic Airways

Two Suites will be onboard, and luxuries include wireless phone charging, a long 6'7" bed, and a 27" touchscreen inflight screen with Bluetooth connectivity, which Weiss said are larger than many of Virgin's competitors.

Rendering of the ottoman in the Retreat Suite on Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.Virgin Atlantic

Two Suites will be onboard, and luxuries include wireless phone charging, a long 6'7" bed, and a 27" touchscreen inflight screen with Bluetooth connectivity, which Weiss said are larger than many of Virgin's competitors.

There is also an ottoman for fellow passengers to use as an extra seat, meaning up to four people can socialize or conduct business in the Suite.

Rendering of Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.Virgin Atlantic

In addition to the Suite, Virgin has improved its eight-person Loft, which replaced the inflight bar in 2019 and is only available to Upper Class passengers.

Virgin Atlantic Airways

"The Loft has a freezer and a fridge where people can interact, have meetings, play a bit, and interact with our crew," Weiss told Insider.

The Loft is also available on Virgin's Airbus A350, though the design is different.David Slotnick/Insider

Weiss explained that the front of the plane is extremely important for Virgin, saying the company will continue to "push the envelope to remain the most-loved travel airline across the Atlantic and beyond."

Virgin Atlantic Airways

Weiss explained that the front of the plane is extremely important for Virgin, saying the company will continue to "push the envelope to remain the most-loved travel airline across the Atlantic and beyond."

While business class products are important, Virgin has also made improvements to its economy class.

Virgin Atlantic Airways

Its premium loungers boast 38 inches of pitch, wireless charging, 13.3", Bluetooth-capable seatback TVs, deep recline, and a leg rest.

Rendering of Virgin Atlantic's A330-900neo premium economy.Virgin Atlantic

Meanwhile, the regular economy section also has a large 13.3" TV with Bluetooth, wireless charging, AC power, and USB ports.

Virgin Atlantic Airways

Virgin offers two economy seat pitches: 31 inches for Classic and 34 inches for extra legroom Delight, with Classic being on par with competitors like United Airlines and British Airways.

Virgin Atlantic Airways

Virgin offers two economy seat pitches: 31 inches for Classic and 34 inches for extra legroom Delight, with Classic being on par with competitors like United Airlines and British Airways.

As Virgin continues to expand, particularly in the Sunshine State, Weiss says the company will have 46 widebody planes by the end of 2025.

Airbus

"We wouldn't be Virgin without the Atlantic, and we wouldn't be Virgin Atlantic without Florida."

Richard Branson with Virgin's A330-900neo after inaugural to Tampa.Virgin Atlantic Airways

Five Black-owned businesses selling satin products to upgrade your hair care routine

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Virgin Atlantic just flew its first-ever A330-900neo on a brand new route from London to Florida &mdash; take a look inside the swanky jet

Virgin Atlantic Airways just launched its first-ever route from London to Tampa, Florida on Wednesday, complementing its current service to Miami and Orlando.

The England-based carrier used its swanky new Airbus A330-900neo for the flight, which it first flew to Boston on October 27.

The A330neo is the latest addition to the company's fleet, joining its Airbus A350, the previous-generation A330, and Boeing 787 widebodies.

The aircraft, which was named Billie Holiday for the famous American jazz singer, will replace Virgin's aging A330s and modernize its fleet.

Virgin CEO Shai Weiss told Insider that Tampa was of particular interest because it is a great destination for both leisure and business travelers, saying the plethora of UK companies based in the metropolitan area creates a large market.

With 15 more planes on order, the carrier plans to expand the A330neo service to Miami and New York, though Tampa will be the only city exclusively served by the new plane.

Virgin is the first UK airline to acquire the A330neo, which it says will create the greenest fleet in the sky.

Compared to its predecessor, the A330neo burns 11% less fuel, and is "leather-free" and "90% plastic-free," Weiss told Insider.

"We're calling on all airlines to invest in fleets, and we're doing a big push on sustainable aviation fuels," Weiss said. "There's not enough SAF in the world, let alone the UK, so there is a lot of work to be done in our quest for net-zero by 2050 and 10% SAF by 2030."

While the company is laser-focused on sustainability, it has also taken great strides in its customer experience.

The A330neo is a perfect example of its innovation, with new cabin products that bring more space and comfort than ever before — take a look.

The plane is configured with a total of 262 seats, including 32 in Upper Class in a 1x2x1 layout…

…46 in premium economy in a 2x3x2 configuration...

…and 184 in regular economy in a 2x4x2 layout. The total capacity is actually less than Virgin's A330ceos, which has up to 267 seats depending on the type.

Weiss told Insider this was because the company could only fit so many seats in the NEO with the new innovations in the cabin, like the Retreat Suite, that still ensured passengers are comfortable.

The Retreat Suite is the newest product on Virgin, offering the most space in the carrier's history. It is located at the front of the carrier's signature Upper Class.

Two Suites will be onboard, and luxuries include wireless phone charging, a long 6'7" bed, and a 27" touchscreen inflight screen with Bluetooth connectivity, which Weiss said are larger than many of Virgin's competitors.

There is also an ottoman for fellow passengers to use as an extra seat, meaning up to four people can socialize or conduct business in the Suite.

In addition to the Suite, Virgin has improved its eight-person Loft, which replaced the inflight bar in 2019 and is only available to Upper Class passengers.

"The Loft has a freezer and a fridge where people can interact, have meetings, play a bit, and interact with our crew," Weiss told Insider.

Weiss explained that the front of the plane is extremely important for Virgin, saying the company will continue to "push the envelope to remain the most-loved travel airline across the Atlantic and beyond."

While business class products are important, Virgin has also made improvements to its economy class.

Its premium loungers boast 38 inches of pitch, wireless charging, 13.3", Bluetooth-capable seatback TVs, deep recline, and a leg rest.

Meanwhile, the regular economy section also has a large 13.3" TV with Bluetooth, wireless charging, AC power, and USB ports.

Virgin offers two economy seat pitches: 31 inches for Classic and 34 inches for extra legroom Delight, with Classic being on par with competitors like United Airlines and British Airways.

As Virgin continues to expand, particularly in the Sunshine State, Weiss says the company will have 46 widebody planes by the end of 2025.

"We wouldn't be Virgin without the Atlantic, and we wouldn't be Virgin Atlantic without Florida."

Virgin Atlantic just flew its first-ever A330-900neo on a brand new route from London to Florida — take a look inside the swanky jet