Virgin Australia recently marked the arrival of its first fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with the new aircraft touching down in Australia last week from Seattle.
The new Boeing 737-8 aircraft is at least 15 percent more fuel efficient per flight when compared to the existing Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800 NG fleet.
This occasion was celebrated at a Virgin Australia Family Day event held at the airline’s Brisbane Hangar.
The CEO of Virgin Australia, Jayne Hrdlicka, and Boeing’s President of Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific, Maria Fernandez, hosted the event and welcomed team members from across the Virgin Australia business.
In addition to the introduction of the Boeing 737-8, Virgin Australia has also unveiled its highly anticipated new Business Class and Economy cabin interiors.
This move is part of the airline’s commitment to enhancing the flying experience for its customers. The airline plans to invest approximately $110 million to revamp the interiors of its remaining Boeing fleet.
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Cabin features
The new Boeing 737-8 cabin interior boasts several noteworthy features that aim to improve passenger comfort and convenience. These features include:
In-Seat Power for All Business Class and Economy Seats
Passengers traveling in both Business Class and Economy will have access to in-seat power, allowing them to charge their electronic devices during the flight.
Larger Overhead Lockers
The new cabins are equipped with larger overhead lockers, providing up to 50% more space for carry-on baggage. It’s important to note that individual guest carry-on luggage limits will remain the same.
Enhanced Business Class Seats
The Business Class seats on the Boeing 737-8 are wider and offer additional features such as leg rests with extendable footrests, storage compartments, tablet/device holders, and water bottle holders. These upgrades aim to provide a more comfortable and convenient flying experience for premium passengers.
Improved Economy Seat Design
The Economy cabin now features a redesigned seat with a ribbed backing, enhancing comfort and ergonomics for passengers during their journey.
Personal Tablet/Device Holder for Economy Seats
Each Economy seat is equipped with a personal tablet/device holder, allowing passengers to easily enjoy Virgin Australia’s in-flight entertainment, including movies and TV shows.
The 2 year upgrade program
The interior refresh and product upgrade for Virgin Australia’s remaining Boeing fleet will begin later this year, with the project expected to be completed within the next two years, subject to operational requirements.
The upgrade program includes the installation of in-seat power for all Business Class and Economy seats, the introduction of new Business Class seats consistent with the Boeing 737-8, and the installation of new or refreshed Economy seats, designed to match the new aircraft’s interior.
Furthermore, Virgin Australia plans to introduce in-flight Wi-Fi and complimentary in-flight entertainment accessible through passengers’ personal devices on the majority of its remaining fleet. This initiative aims to provide a more connected and entertaining travel experience for all passengers.
As part of the cabin refresh program, Virgin Australia will introduce an innovative cabin divider between Business Class and Economy.
This new design will create additional floor space in the Economy cabin, allowing for the installation of six to twelve extra Economy seats.
Additionally, the refurbishment will involve replacing one row of Economy X with standard Economy seating on all Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Once the cabin refresh program is completed, passengers can expect more available seats and a consistent guest experience across all Virgin Australia flights operated by Boeing 737 aircraft.
