Virgin Australia revealed it is going to be making some big changes to its business class and economy cabins across it’s Boeing 737s fleet in a $110 million move.
The airline made the announcement after welcoming its first Boeing 737-8 aircraft at its Brisbane Hangar on Saturday.
Fresh from the Boeing factory in Seattle, the new aircraft is one of 33 fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 and 737-10 aircraft Virgin Australia has on order, with more fuel-efficient aircraft set to be delivered in the coming months.
It is part of its fleet renewal program as the airline continues to work towards its net zero emissions target by 2050.
Some of the main features of the new Boeing 737-8 cabin includes in-seat power for all business class and economy seats and larger overhead lockers, with capacity to stow up to 50 per cent more carry-on baggage.
But this doesn’t mean carry-on luggage limits will increase, with the 7kg limit to remain for economy.
There will be wider business class seats and also a new economy seat design, featuring a ribbed backing “to elevate comfort and ergonomics” and a personal tablet/device holder for all economy seats.
Passengers can also expect big changes to the airlines’ remaining Boeing fleet that will roll out later this year.
Just like the new aircraft, it will also see the installation of in-seat power for both business and economy cabins.
There will be “new or refreshed” economy seats, with a seat design to be consistent with the new Boeing 737-8 aircraft.
And for the first time, passengers will be able to enjoy in-flight Wi-Fi and complimentary in-flight entertainment (via a guest’s own personal device) to majority of remaining fleet.
Business class passengers can also expect new seats in line with the Boeing 737-8.
Changes to layout
News.com.au understands an entirely new seat configuration with a new cabin divider between business and economy will be introduced to allow for “greater floor space in the economy cabin”.
It will see between six and 12 additional economy seats and the replacement of one economy X row with economy seating on all Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
This means, like the new 737-8 aircraft, there will be 31 rows, 8 business class seats, 174 economy seats.
And for its 737-700 aircraft there will be 23 rows, 8 business class seats and 126 economy seats.
This also includes the introduction of a business class cabin on seven existing Boeing 737-700 aircraft which are currently fitted with economy seating only.
The work is set to be complete in the next two years, subject to operational requirements.
Virgin Australia group chief customer and digital officer, Paul Jones, said the changes are reflective of customer feedback.
“In 2021 we introduced a prototype cabin interior on two Boeing 737-800 aircraft, and over the last couple of years we’ve been able to obtain feedback from our guests, which enables us to enhance our entire Boeing fleet with the features that are most important to them,” he said. “If you look at the business community, what matters most to them outside of network schedule is in-seat power and in-flight Wi-Fi, so I’m really excited that will feature on the majority of our fleet.”
He said they also have a lot of customers who fly with them for leisure who value in-seat power for a different reason.
“[Such as] powering devices to keep their kids entertained, or streaming and bingeing on the latest must-see shows.”
“With the reconfiguration of our cabin interior, we are also able to add more seats to the market without changing the legroom experience, providing Australian travellers with even more choice and great value airfares as well as a consistent in-flight experience,” he said.
Meanwhile, Virgin Australia group CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka, said she was excited to welcome the new Boeing 737-8 aircraft into the fleet.
“It is wonderful to be here celebrating the arrival of our new fuel-efficient aircraft with the wider Virgin Australia family,” said Ms Hrdlicka.,” she said on Saturday.
“Today is also an important milestone for Virgin Australia as we grow and renew our fleet and continue investing in our on-board guest experience.
“Sustainability is so important for the future of the airline industry globally and fleet renewal is a major step in reducing carbon emissions intensity,” she said.
“We anticipate our fleet renewal program, together with other fuel efficiency initiatives, will support over 80 per cent of our 2030 interim target to reduce Virgin Australia’s carbon emission intensity by 22 per cent.”
With the addition of the latest Boeing 737-8, there are now 85 aircraft in the airline’s fleet.
Meanwhile, seven more delivered in 2024 and 25 of the 737-10 aircraft are planned for delivery at the end of next year.