A favorite aspect of my job is testing out new aircraft.
It's fascinating to watch all the improvements that airlines make to their most recent models of aircraft, and I especially enjoy it when they debut whole new or significantly upgraded cabins.
I've been inside more aircraft than I can count, but Virgin Atlantic's Airbus A330-900neo, or "new engine option," has piqued my interest in particular.
The aircraft was introduced by British Airways last year, and it is currently serving New York, which is the company's busiest and most significant market.
Recently, Virgin invited a select group of media professionals to visit the jet in New York. The A330-900neo, a cutting-edge and fuel-efficient plane, will form the core of Virgin's fleet with four already in operation and 12 more on the way.
Here is what most excites me about the plane once I've had a chance to tour it.
Modernization of all technologies
Aircraft cabins have been known to travel for up to ten years.
For this reason, it's crucial for designers to equip modern planes with cutting-edge technology. Otherwise, the cabin's technology will be out of date before it comes time for a refurbishment.
Thankfully, Virgin Atlantic considered every aspect of its A330-900neo.
The fact that Bluetooth communication is supported by every seat is maybe the most fascinating. Travelers can therefore pair AirPods or other wireless headphones with the seatback screen directly without the need for a dongle.
Each seat also has access to a USB port and a standard power outlet.
Also, passengers in the Top Class cabin have access to a 60-watt USB-C plug for quick charging.
Also, Upper Class and premium economy seats feature Qi wireless charging pads, providing you with an unprecedented array of options for charging your electronics.
Additional amazing technological advancements include the most recent Viasat Wi-Fi and clear touchscreen entertainment monitors.
A new type of business-class experience
A new cabin class is forming as airlines roll out state-of-the-art business-class offerings. "Business class plus" is a typical name for it.
These items often take up the first row of the cabin and provide extra room, storage, and conveniences that benefit from the special arrangement of the bulkhead.
The Retreat Suite, a new seat category for the airline, is offered on Virgin's A330-900neo to capitalize on this trend.
The A330-business 900neo's class has two front-row center pods that are larger and roomier than the other Thompson Vantage XL seats. The 27-inch TV screen looked terrific, and I liked that the ottoman could be used as a buddy seat or a leg rest.
Although there is a substantial privacy divider that can split these two chairs, I would guess that couples and families would benefit most from the Retreat Suites. This is so that you can share a meal by combining the tray tables between the two seats. A family or four people could eat at the same time if you turn both ottomans into buddy seats.
Redesigned onboard bar
Every Virgin aircraft has a social area for people traveling in business class.
The new A330-900neo has what Virgin calls the Loft, as opposed to the original A330-onboard 300's bar (which first debuted on the A350-1000.)
The area that divides the business class and premium economy cabins is tastefully decorated with accent lighting, dark leather seats, and two huge Screens.
Some passengers will undoubtedly miss the standard bar, but I appreciate that the Loft provides more seating than the aboard bar had. Moreover, this area has been improved over that on the A350; the seats are higher and are said to be more comfortable.
Yet, not everybody agrees with this. "The seats are uncomfortable because they are too shallow and high."
A premium economy that's actually premium
At the moment, the premium economy is huge. Compared to coach, this middle cabin provides roomier seats, greater legroom, and more storage—all without costing as much as a lie-flat business-class pod.
Airlines have taken notice as more and more travelers seek out this experience. They have begun converting current aircraft to premium economy.
The "hard product" (the seat itself) is, however, often very comparable across carriers, although the service and dining options differ significantly.
Premium economy is viewed by some airlines as an expansion of the economy cabin. A few people refer to it as "business class light."
At least in terms of service, Virgin unquestionably belongs to the latter group.
The airline has a specialized staff and galley space set aside for premium economy because of the size of the cabin—46 seats distributed across seven rows in a 2-3-2 configuration.
Even though the airline's premium economy cabin is bigger than many of its American rivals, at least the level of service should be higher than what you might be used to on American or United.
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