Virgin Australia takes flight into the future with the unveiling of its state-of-the-art cabin interior and an impressive $110 million fleet-wide aircraft upgrade. As part of its fleet renewal program, the airline introduces the latest generation Boeing 737-8 aircraft, championing fuel efficiency and contributing to a 15% reduction in emissions per flight*, in line with Virgin Australia’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Virgin Australia Group CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka 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.”

After extensive research from a two-year prototype study, Virgin Australia showcases its revamped cabin interior for the Boeing 737-8 aircraft. Passengers can now enjoy up to 50% more overhead locker space compared to the airline’s current Boeing 737 planes. 

Business Class

Virgin Australia Group Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Paul Jones, 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. There’s also a huge number of customers who fly with us for leisure who value in-seat power for a different reason – powering devices to keep their kids entertained, or streaming and bingeing on the latest must-see shows.”

The new Business Class features include:

1. In-seat power: Travelers can stay connected and powered up throughout their journey with in-seat power available in both Business Class and Economy.
2. Enhanced Business Class seats: Business Class passengers will enjoy wider seats featuring leg rests with extendable footrests, additional storage compartments, tablet/device holders, and water bottle holders.
3. In-flight Wi-Fi and complimentary in-flight entertainment: Business Class along with most of the remaining fleet will be equipped with in-flight Wi-Fi and guests can enjoy complimentary in-flight entertainment through their personal devices.

Economy

The new upgrades to Economy include:

1. In-seat Power for all Economy seats.
2. Larger, more spacious overhead lockers.
3. Redesigned Economy Seats: Economy seats get a fresh, new design with ribbed backing for superior comfort and ergonomics, ensuring a more comfortable flight.
4. Personal tablet/device holder: Each Economy seat will now have a personal tablet/device holder, making it easier for guests to access Virgin Australia’s in-flight entertainment, including movies and TV shows.

Fleet upgrades

The Boeing 737-8 aircraft, fresh from the Boeing factory in Seattle, is just one of 33 fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 and 737-10 planes on order, with further fuel-efficient aircraft expected to join the fleet in the coming months.

Alongside the arrival of the Boeing 737-8, Virgin Australia confirms the eagerly awaited upgrade of its Business Class and Economy cabins across the remaining Boeing fleet. This investment of approximately $110 million aims to deliver an unmatched flying experience to customers.

The fleet-wide upgrade will include:

• Installation of in-seat power: All Business Class and Economy seats will be equipped with in-seat power, ensuring travellers can remain connected during their journey.
• New Business Class seats: Business Class seats will be consistent with those featured on the new Boeing 737-8 aircraft.
• New or refreshed Economy seats: Economy seats will be updated to align with the new Boeing 737-8 design, elevating comfort for Economy travellers.
• In-flight Wi-Fi and complimentary in-flight entertainment: Most of the remaining fleet will be equipped with in-flight Wi-Fi and guests can enjoy complimentary in-flight entertainment through their personal devices.