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Comfort

A new Upper Class ‘sleep sheet’ has been designed to remain secure for use during taxi, take-off and landing. An extremely simple but effective idea to make transition from seat to bed easier. Amenity kits are now sustainable, using recyclable Kraft paper, and feature REN Clean Skincare products.

Interior design

The A330neo has evolved The Loft, the awardwinning A350 social space, to create an iconic space for customer connection and engagement with crew. There’s space for eight people and four comfy seats. There are two 27" touchscreen screens which curate an engaging digital experience, plus extensive power outlets alongside the chillers. The Retreat Suite is the carrier’s most spacious suite yet with 6’7” fully-flat beds, two exclusive front seats with lots of extra space and storage, plus 27" touchscreen monitors, wireless charging and a ‘do not disturb’ privacy feature. Throughout the cabins there are rich, tactile fabrics in warm, signature colours. The finish has moved away from natural leather in favour of a 50% lighter material made without animal products. Inspired by the horizon line seen through the window, the seats have a bespoke aesthetic known as New Horizon with carefully stitched lines and contours. This aesthetic flows through all cabins and mood-lighting changes through the journey.

Service/Crew

The new aircraft each have a special identity pairing their names with their registration, and icons dress the aircraft nose. The names are inspired by Virgin’s brand heritage and are drawn from music, travel, British culture and the brand colours. The first four are Billie Holiday, Space Oddity, Eliza Doolittle and Queen of the skies, named for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Technology

Using Viasat, the carrier offers its fastest ever onboard wifi. There is wireless charging in Upper Class, the social space (The Loft) and, in an industry first, in the Premium cabin too. There are more USB connections and power outlets and Bluetooth-enabled IFE in every cabin which pairs easily with Bluetooth hearing aids and passenger headphones. The IFE system, supplied by SPI, features the carrier’s biggest screens yet (27”) in the Retreat Suites, and 13.3” in Economy. All customers can also use their own devices to use the IFE, adjust the reading light and call crew.

Csr

The A330neo is integral to the airline’s environmental transformation as it aims to operate the cleanest, greenest, youngest fleet possible. It is 11% more fuel and carbon efficient than the A330-300 it replaces and will deliver a 50% reduction in airport noise. The removal of leather materials and beef menus (since end of 2019) reflects the environmental impact of the beef industry. The carrier has in recent years cut its use of virgin SUPs inflight by 90% in weight –60 million items. Sustainable amenity kits and a switch to canned wine and water further support the environmental goals. The entire fleet has an average aircraft age of under seven years. •