Aviation
Virgin Atlantic’s new A330 Neo passengers will enjoy a luxurious experience.
- The Airbus A330-900neo will feature the latest generation Upper Class cabin, including its iconic social space and new innovation, The Retreat Suite
- Increased connectivity with in-seat wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity in all cabins and its fastest ever Wi-Fi
- The new aircraft is crucial to the airline’s fleet transformation into the cleanest in the sky
- Boston will be the A330neo’s first route.
Virgin Atlantic has revealed for the first time its much awaited Airbus A330neo, which is designed to give a premium, personalised experience for every single customer. The Upper Class cabin of Virgin Atlantic now has a brand new seat, an upgrade of its distinctive communal space, and the introduction of The Retreat Room, the most capacious suite in the airline’s history.
Customers will have more opportunities to stay connected than ever before throughout the aircraft. Customers in Premium and Upper Class may benefit from game-changing in-seat wireless charging, while customers in other cabins can enjoy an increased number of USB connections, Bluetooth equipped entertainment systems, and the airline’s fastest ever Wi-Fi.
Virgin Atlantic was the first UK airline to place a firm order for up to 16 Airbus A330neos in 2019, reiterating its commitment to flying the cleanest, greenest fleet in the skies. Following a multibillion-dollar fleet transformation investment over the last decade, the airline now operates a fleet with an average aircraft age of little under seven years and 68 percent next generation aircraft. By the beginning of 2027, this will have increased to 100 percent next generation. This means that Virgin Atlantic’s aircraft are outfitted with the most efficient engines and cutting-edge technologies to save fuel and minimize pollution. So far, this has resulted in a 20% reduction in fleet carbon emissions.
We will reduce carbon emissions by 10% over the next decade. The A330-900 neos are designed to be 11% more fuel and carbon efficient than the A330-300 they are replacing, with a 50% reduction in airport noise contour.
The first customer flight on Virgin Atlantic’s A330neo is scheduled for early October to Boston. Ticket sales will begin later this month. The airline will receive three aircraft beginning in September 2022, with the remaining deliveries occurring between 2023 and 2026.
First Class
The Retreat Suite is a fresh new addition to Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class offering, consisting of two unique suites at the cabin’s front. The airline’s largest suite to yet, with a 6’7″ direct seat to totally flat bed and a 27″ touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity and wireless charging. With an ottoman that doubles as an extra seat in each suite, up to four people can dine, converse, or play games in their own private social zone. Customers can have a romantic dinner or relax in comfort while watching a movie.
Aside from The Retreat Suite, the A330neo will feature 30 brand new Upper Class suites. The entirely forward-facing suite provides greater space and storage, as well as a completely shutting privacy door. With a “do not disturb” function. It contains passenger-controlled mood lighting, a 17.3″ touchscreen TV, and even a mirror to ensure passengers appear runway ready.
Premium
Stylish accents make a great impact in Premium, which has 46 seats on the A330neo. The airline’s signature burgundy Premium seats with a 38″ pitch remain, but they’re joined by calf rests in every seat and a 13.3″ touchscreen with Bluetooth audio. The airline is also providing an in-seat wireless charging pad to its Premium passengers.
Economy
Customers will enjoy the largest ever economy screen at 13.3″, an intuitive touchscreen, and Bluetooth audio to connect headphones, with customers able to use their phone as a controller in the new Economy cabin. There’s also lots of storage, as well as AC power and USB connections for charging devices.
The Retreat Suite
The Loft, the airline’s award-winning social space, is a focal element of the cabin design as customers enter the plane and is an essential aspect of the Upper Class experience. It has eight seats and an adaptation of the design from the Airbus A350, allowing guests to sit and speak or enjoy refreshments from the new self-service fridge and beverages dispenser. Customers can also use Bluetooth headphones to connect to the two panoramic 27″ touchscreens or use wireless charging for their devices.
Airlines
Etihad Airways Soars to New Heights with Three New Destinations
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has begun flights to three key destinations, fulfilling its promise of development and increased connectivity. Services to Dusseldorf, Germany (DUS) began on September 28, followed by Copenhagen, Denmark (CPH) the next day, and Osaka, Japan (KIX) on October 1.
Meanwhile, the airline announced increased frequency to popular destinations Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Colombo (CMB).
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The flights are part of a package of new routes and higher frequencies aimed to accommodate consumer demand for more ways to visit Abu Dhabi while also providing even greater access to Etihad’s expanding global network.
Expanded Frequencies: Increased regularity to Chennai (MAA), Colombo (CMB) Islamabad (ISB), Kochi (COK), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Madrid (MAD), Milan (MXP), Munich (MUC), Rome (FCO), and Phuket (HKT) offer travelers more choice while improving travel options and connectivity.
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- Cairo (CAI): An additional 5 flights per week to make triple daily operations to Cairo, effective from 1 Jan, strengthening the link between Abu Dhabi and the Egyptian capital.
- Colombo (CMB): 7 direct flights per week with 3 flights effective from 1 Dec and 4 flights effective from 1 Jan,increasing to 10 per week from May 2024, further enhancing travel options to this destination.
- Kuala Lumpur (KUL): Double daily from 15 Jan, 2024
- Maldives (MLE): An additional 7 flights per week, with 3 flights effective from 1 Dec and 4 flights effective from 1 Jan
Destinations | Change | Total Frequency | Start Date |
Dusseldorf | New route | 3 per week | 28 September 2023 |
Copenhagen | New route | 4 per week | 29 September 2023 |
Osaka | New route | 5 per week | 1 October 2023 |
Lisbon | Extended year-round | 3 per week | 29 October 2023 |
St Petersburg | New route | 3 per week | 29 October 2023 |
Kozhikode | New route | 7 per week | 1 January 2024 |
Thiruvananthapuram | New route | 7 per week | 1 January 2024 |
Boston | New route | 4 per week | 31 March 2024 |
Chennai | +7 per week | 21 per week | 15 September 2023 |
Frankfurt | +4 per week | 11 per week | 29 October 2023 |
Rome | +4 per week | 11 per week | 4 November 2023 |
Amsterdam | Retimed | 7 per week | 21 November 2023 |
Kochi | +8 per week | 21 per week | 21 November 2023 |
Madrid | +3 per week | 10 per week | 21 November 2023 |
Milan | +3 per week | 10 per week | 21 November 2023 |
Munich | +3 per week | 10 per week | 21 November 2023 |
Phuket | +7 per week | 14 per week | 21 November 2023 |
Moscow | Retimed | 7 per week | 1 December 2023 |
Cairo | +5 per week | 21 per week | 1 January 2024 |
Colombo | 7 direct per week10 direct per week | 7 per week10 per week | 1 January 2024May 2024 |
Islamabad | +2 per week | 14 per week | 1 January 2024 |
Maldives (Male) | +7 per week | 14 per week | 1 January 2024 |
Airlines
Indian Pilots Could Soon Be Banned on Wearing Perfume
According to new regulations being reviewed by the nation’s civil aviation regulator, perfume could soon be banned for pilots throughout India.
The prospective ban on perfume is being considered because many fragrances include alcohol, which could generate a false-positive breathalyzer test result. This is not because perfume could distract pilots or even give them headaches.
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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation intends to add a provision to the current safety regulations that prohibits crew members from consuming any alcoholic beverage, including mouthwash, tooth gel, and perfume.
Pilots and cabin staff are routinely subjected to pre-flight breathalyzer tests, which are among the most stringent alcohol regulations for aircrew in the world. An instant three-month license suspension is possible for even the smallest amount of alcohol, which is seen as a favorable result.
The proposed perfume ban is intended to address the possibility of falsely positive breathalyser results and guarantee the greatest level of aviation safety. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation seeks to avoid any compromise to the sobriety standards necessary for pilots and crew members by forbidding the use of items that contain alcohol. This action is in line with their dedication to following strict laws and the highest standards of safety in the aviation sector.
Airlines
Japan Airlines Unveils New Airbus A350-1000 Cabin Interiors
Japan Airlines revealed details about its new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft and cabin furnishings, which will become the airline’s new worldwide flagship after nearly 20 years. Customers may expect an even better degree of comfort aboard the aircraft, as well as a uniquely personalized overall journey.
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Due to a supply chain disruption affecting component delivery, the airline’s launch of the A350-1000 aircraft, which was initially scheduled for late November 2023 on the Tokyo (Haneda) – New York (JFK) route, is expected to begin before the end of the year.
[Highlights of New Services]
Cabin Interior: The entire aircraft cabin has been created to take passengers in tranquility and immerse them in Japanese aesthetic elegance, creating a peaceful environment that captures the beauty of Japan. The newest interior represents a consistency of JAL’s famous service that continues over its domestic fleet (A350-900 and 787-8 aircraft) and also aims to give a high-quality experience for customers.
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Seatings: Completely redesigned seats have been installed in all classes to provide JAL’s most relaxing and comfortable experience to date. First Class and Business Class offer spacious, yet fully-private environments, and Premium Economy Class provides enhanced privacy and comfort. Economy Class has been designed for enhanced relaxation and well-being, featuring spacious seating and ample legroom.
Inflight Meal Service: New services that cater to customers’ various interests and values will be provided progressively. To lessen the environmental impact and address social issues, JAL will encourage the use of non-petroleum derived plastics for cutlery and dishes. By working with passengers, the airline hopes to promote a sustainable future.
1. Cabin Interior and Seat Specifications:
1.1 First Class
The new seating arrangement features just six (6) suites to create a unique and exclusive cabin environment. Seats are designed to provide even greater comfort and the addition of individual doors, for the first time by JAL, increases privacy while also creating a more open individual atmosphere with the elimination of overhead storage compartments.
2. Business Class
Despite the increase in seat capacity to 54 from the current international flagship configuration, ample spacing has been prioritized to ensure a comfortable and individual inflight experience. Notably, in Business Class, doors have been introduced for the first time to ensure privacy, and overhead storage compartments are exclusively positioned on the window side to create an open atmosphere.
3. Premium Economy Class
In pursuit of the utmost comfort in its class, the cabin features large partitions to significantly improve privacy. It is also the first Premium Economy Class in the world to introduce electrically operated reclining functionality.
4. Economy Class
Having won the “Best Economy Class Airline Seat” by SKYTRAX for five consecutive terms, JAL has further enhanced the spacious legroom and improved the seating for enhanced comfort.
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