Virgin Atlantic’s new luxe Airbus promises customers comfort, luxury and technology

VIRGIN Atlantic’s new Airbus A350-1000 has taken flight this month – promising customers a cocktail of comfort, luxury and technology.

It features big upgrades across all three cabins, as I found aboard one of its first flights from London to New York.

The first thing all passengers will notice when boarding is the wider and taller cabin, made possible by new and advanced materials.

The cabin is also pressurised to a much lower level, for a more comfortable flight, while new Rolls-Royce engines produce 13-per-cent better fuel economy.

In Economy, super-thin chairs leave plenty of legroom, while the TV screens are a whopping 11.6 inches – even larger than than Virgin’s old Upper Class screens – and there are more than 100 hours of movies and 300 hours of TV shows to choose from.

A new tailcam even offers you an incredible high-definition live view from outside the aircraft.

If passengers want to watch a movie but still see where they are on the map, you can now pair your smartphone or tablet to use as a second screen.

There is the obligatory USB port for charging, more storage and a six-point adjustable headrest for trying to get some shut-eye.

Passengers in the middle of the plane will find a redesigned Premium cabin, with custom leather seats, multiple USB ports and a larger 13.3in screen.

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In Virgin’s famous Upper Class, there is a world of luxury to enjoy. Here, guests will have their own private booth in the sky, complete with 18.5in touchscreen.

Virgin’s iconic bar area has been replaced by The Loft – the airline’s largest in-air communal space yet. It feels more like a hotel lobby than a pub, making it a better space for those who do not drink.

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If that personal 18.5in screen, in front of the lie-flat seat, is not big enough for you, then Upper customers can connect bluetooth headphones to The Loft’s 32in screen.

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For now, you can catch them between Heathrow and New York, with Los Angeles receiving the aircraft from next year.

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