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
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 CEO Shai Weiss told Insider the plane is preferred for its fuel and cost efficiency.
Virgin Atlantic Airways just launched its first-ever route from London to Tampa, Florida on Wednesday, complementing its current service to Miami and Orlando.
Source: 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.
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…
Source: Virgin Atlantic Airways
…46 in premium economy in a 2x3x2 configuration...
Source: 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.
Source: Virgin Atlantic Airways
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."
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