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  4. Virgin Atlantic just unveiled its first-ever Airbus A330-900neo — see inside the jet featuring the airline's new premium 'Retreat Suite'

Virgin Atlantic just unveiled its first-ever Airbus A330-900neo see inside the jet featuring the airline's new premium 'Retreat Suite'

Taylor Rains   

Virgin Atlantic just unveiled its first-ever Airbus A330-900neo — see inside the jet featuring the airline's new premium 'Retreat Suite'
Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.Virgin Atlantic
  • Virgin Atlantic recently unveiled its first-ever Airbus A330-900neo aircraft that will replace its aging A330ceos.
  • The airline will introduce updated cabins on the new A330neos, including an innovative Retreat Suite.

Virgin Atlantic just unveiled its newest aircraft type — the Airbus A330-900neo.

Virgin Atlantic just unveiled its newest aircraft type — the Airbus A330-900neo.
Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.      Virgin Atlantic

In 2019, the carrier announced a firm order for up to 16 A330neos in an effort to modernize its fleet, becoming the first UK airline to purchase the plane. The deal is worth $4.1 billion, and all jets are scheduled for delivery between 2022 and 2026.

In 2019, the carrier announced a firm order for up to 16 A330neos in an effort to modernize its fleet, becoming the first UK airline to purchase the plane. The deal is worth $4.1 billion, and all jets are scheduled for delivery between 2022 and 2026.
Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.      Virgin Atlantic

The new jets will replace Virgin's aging A330-300ceos and further its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

The new jets will replace Virgin
Virgin Atlantic A330-300s.      Bradley Caslin/Shutterstock

"We know the most impactful thing we can do as an airline is to fly the cleanest, greenest, youngest fleet possible and the A330neo is integral to achieving this goal," Virgin CCO Corneel Koster said in a press release. "It's truly a plane for the future."

"We know the most impactful thing we can do as an airline is to fly the cleanest, greenest, youngest fleet possible and the A330neo is integral to achieving this goal," Virgin CCO Corneel Koster said in a press release. "It
Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.      Airbus

According to Airbus, the A330neo is the new generation of A330 family aircraft, burning 25% less fuel per seat and flying 1,500 nautical miles further than its predecessors.

According to Airbus, the A330neo is the new generation of A330 family aircraft, burning 25% less fuel per seat and flying 1,500 nautical miles further than its predecessors.
Airbus A330-900neo.      Airbus

Source: Airbus

The plane's longer wing span, A350 XWB-inspired sharklets, and powerful Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines can be credited for its improved efficiency.

The plane
Airbus A330-900neo.      Airbus

Source: Airbus

For Virgin, its new A330neos will be 11% more fuel and carbon efficient and 50% quieter than its current A330ceos.

For Virgin, its new A330neos will be 11% more fuel and carbon efficient and 50% quieter than its current A330ceos.
Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.      Virgin Atlantic

Moreover, the A330neo has commonality with the airline's current A350-1000 fleet, which flew for the first time in 2019. Both types are approved under a "single-pilot license endorsement," according to Airbus.

Moreover, the A330neo has commonality with the airline
Airbus A350-1000      Airbus

Source: Airbus

This means that aside from about eight days’ worth of “differences-training,” Virgin pilots can fly both aircraft types on any given day without needing extra instruction in a full-flight simulator.

This means that aside from about eight days’ worth of “differences-training,” Virgin pilots can fly both aircraft types on any given day without needing extra instruction in a full-flight simulator.
Airbus A330-900neo.      Airbus

Source: Airbus

Virgin's first passenger A330-900neo flight will take off from London Heathrow to Boston on October 12, and tickets are currently on sale. The jet will also begin flying to Tampa, Miami, and New York-JFK by the end of the year.

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

The airline has emphasized the improvements it has made to the passenger experience on its A330neos. Specifically, it has improved its staple Upper Class seat with more space and storage...

The airline has emphasized the improvements it has made to the passenger experience on its A330neos. Specifically, it has improved its staple Upper Class seat with more space and storage...
Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.      Virgin Atlantic

…and introduced its all-new Retreat Suite.

…and introduced its all-new Retreat Suite.
Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.      Virgin Atlantic

The Upper Class cabin will feature 30 suites, all with forward-facing seats. The loungers will boast a "do not disturb" feature, a mirror, passenger-controlled mood lighting, 17.3" touchscreen TVs, and a privacy door.

The Upper Class cabin will feature 30 suites, all with forward-facing seats. The loungers will boast a "do not disturb" feature, a mirror, passenger-controlled mood lighting, 17.3" touchscreen TVs, and a privacy door.
Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.      Virgin Atlantic

According to Virgin, there are two Retreat Suites situated at the front of the Upper Class cabin. It is the most spacious suite in the airline's history, boasting wireless charging and a 6'7" fully flat bed...

According to Virgin, there are two Retreat Suites situated at the front of the Upper Class cabin. It is the most spacious suite in the airline
Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.      Virgin Atlantic

...a 27" touchscreen inflight screen with Bluetooth connectivity...

...a 27" touchscreen inflight screen with Bluetooth connectivity...
Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.      Virgin Atlantic

…and an ottoman in each that doubles as an extra seat, so up to four people can be in the suite chatting, dining, or playing games.

…and an ottoman in each that doubles as an extra seat, so up to four people can be in the suite chatting, dining, or playing games.
Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.      Virgin Atlantic

The Retreat Suite is similar to JetBlue's front-row Mint Studio, which has the largest TV of any US airline.

The Retreat Suite is similar to JetBlue
JetBlue Mint Studio.      Thomas Pallini/Insider

The A330neo will also feature Virgin's signature social space known as The Loft. Eight people can occupy the room and enjoy wireless charging stations, a Bluetooth-enabled 27" touchscreen, and a new self-serve refrigerator and drink dispenser.

The A330neo will also feature Virgin
Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.      Virgin Atlantic

Only Upper Class passengers can access the Loft, which is available on the carrier's new A330-900neo and A350.

Only Upper Class passengers can access the Loft, which is available on the carrier
The Loft on Virgin's Airbus A350.      David Slotnick/Insider

A 46-seat Premium cabin is located behind the Upper Class section, featuring a leg rest, deep recline, a 13.3" touchscreen with Bluetooth, and in-seat wireless charging. The seats boast 38" of pitch.

A 46-seat Premium cabin is located behind the Upper Class section, featuring a leg rest, deep recline, a 13.3" touchscreen with Bluetooth, and in-seat wireless charging. The seats boast 38" of pitch.
Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.      Virgin Atlantic

Virgin's new economy seats also have large 13.3" seatback TVs with Bluetooth capabilities, as well as AC power and USB ports. The touchscreen can be controlled with the passenger's phone.

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

There are two economy seat pitch options: 28 Economy Delight, which offers 34" of pitch, and 156 Economy Classic, which offer 31" inches of pitch. All cabins boast fast inflight WiFi.

There are two economy seat pitch options: 28 Economy Delight, which offers 34" of pitch, and 156 Economy Classic, which offer 31" inches of pitch. All cabins boast fast inflight WiFi.
Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.      Virgin Atlantic

"We're proud to unveil our state of the art A330neo and show the evolution of our customer experience, with each of our customers receiving a premium experience regardless of the cabin they travel in," Koster said.

"We
Virgin Atlantic's new A330-900neo.      Airbus

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