HIGH LIFE
Virgin Atlantic’s new A350 Upper Class cabin features seats that transform into 6ft 10in beds and an exclusive lounge for cocktails and afternoon teas
VIRGIN Atlantic have revealed details of their new A350 aircraft - named Red Velvet - as well as first images of the Economy and Upper Class suites.
There are huge changes to the seats across the board and the first flight will be debuting later this year.
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The biggest change is in the Upper Class cabin, where the seats have been completely redesigned.
The new cabin layout sees the seats, dubbed suites, laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration.
Every one of the suites are window facing, and have screens that can be adjusted to offer more privacy.
The new entertainment system features Virgin's biggest ever screen, at 18.5 inches, and there's a handy USB port and power outlet as standard.
While the pitch size - the space allocated to the seat, including leg room - is already a sizeable 44 inches while upright, you can press a button and transform it into a fully flat bed that's 82 inches long (6ft10).
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Another addition to the cabin is a lounge area called The Loft, which allows passengers to relax in a communal seating area while enjoying cocktails or afternoon tea.
It replaces the in-flight bar that was on previous flights, and is meant to replicate the airline's Clubhouse.
But Premium and Economy flyers aren't left behind either.
The new A350 will offer 13.3 inch screens in Premium and 11.6 inch screen in economy.
For Premium customers, the seats will have a better recline at 7 inches and offer more storage space, four-way adjustable headrest and their leather seats.
Economy travellers will also enjoy upgraded seats, with more luxurious fabric.
Passengers will also have access to high-speed wifi throughout the flight.
Nicky Kelvin from the new Upper Class seating means "no more craning of one's neck to see outside."
He also explained: "When in lie-flat position, each of the beds measure 82 inches or 6’10”. The bulkhead seats are ideal for taller travellers, as they have a wider footwell."
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Nicky said while storage had been improved, it was still somewhat lacking: "Instead of being able to place [personal bags] in the footwell, passengers will have to store it in the overhead compartments."
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For fans who want to try it out for themselves, the inaugural route will be from London Heathrow to New York in "late summer" according to the airline.
It will then be rolled out across the routes by 2021.
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Last year, the airline announces changes to economy with three options now available - Economy Delight, Economy Classic and Economy Light.
The different options range from reserved seats and checked in baggage to none of the frills for a cheaper ticket.
For a more glamorous Virgin experience at an economy price, passengers can book the "Virgin Bubble" - an upper deck of the Boeing 747, which has a number of economy seats.
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