Virgin Australia has revealed a new narrowbody aircraft cabin design prototype, featuring refreshed seat designs. The designs will initially be trialled on two of the airline’s nine new Boeing 737-800s.
The prototype is not a huge departure for the airline, as the cabin configuration mirrors that of Virgin Australia’s existing Boeing 737-800 interiors, with eight business class and 162 economy class seats. However, the styling and comfort enhancements will be noticeable, especially the new ribbed design on the seat covers throughout the aircraft.
The new business class seats offer an additional 7in of recline compared to its current seats – representing up to 40% more recline – as well as leg and footrests for added comfort. The seats also feature non-slip cocktail tables, movable tray tables with in-built device holders so viewing can continue during meal service, extra in-seat storage cubbies for personal items, and high-powered USB charging ports.
The new scheme also sees Virgin Australia introduce seatback device holders into the economy cabin, which can accommodate everything from a small smartphone to a larger tablet. Another noticeable feature of the new seats is the upper safety card and menu stowage, which frees-up lower seat pocket space for personal belongings and knee room. Guests who upgrade to Economy X will also benefit from 40% extra legroom.
Virgin Australia’s signature design elements are carried through to the new B737-800s, including the purple LED interior lighting. They have also embossed a leaf pattern design into the headrests of the economy class seats – a motif found in most of the airline’s airport lounges.
Virgin Australia’s chief customer and digital officer, Paul Jones, said the new interior added to a long list of customer enhancements the airline has rolled out since relaunching almost 12 months ago.
“We are excited to unveil our new interior prototype which we are going to trial over the next few months,” said Jones. “Virgin Australia is committed to being a customer-led business, so once we receive feedback from our guests and crew, we’ll consider implementing elements of the new design as our fleet grows.
“We can’t wait for guests to experience the new interior for themselves if they’re lucky enough to fly on either of the two aircraft that have initially been fitted with the new design. We’re really focused on creating great experiences for our guests and the design has been carefully considered to implement thoughtful features that we know will make travelling with Virgin Australia all that more enjoyable.
“We’re looking forward to seeing how the new design will influence our fleet moving forward as we continue to expand our fleet and network as the market recovers,” he added.
