Quantcast

Virgin Atlantic's Retreat Suite aims to redefine business class with enhanced luxury

A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks
US Senate panel criticizes rising airline seat fees, will call execs to testify
Spirit’s Demise Is a Lesson in ‘Airline-o-nomics’
Inside BA’s new first-class suites: £800 an hour for most private seat
Focus: US airline flight crews confident and angry as unions seek richer contracts
Hawaiian Airlines Eliminates Widebody Route Amid Alaska Airlines Merger
US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems?
Delta CEO says the Trump administration will reverse government ‘overreach’ seen under Biden
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy: How will it affect your travel plans?
British Airways yet to identify cause of latest IT meltdown
Delta Airlines Will Start Serving Shake Shack Cheeseburgers Next Month
United Sees Nearly 30% Surge in Travel to European Christmas Markets
Budget airline Israir to launch flights between Israel and NY, ending wartime monopoly by flagship carrier El Al
Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations
Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope
Spirit Airlines delays release of Q3 financial results as debt restructuring talks heat up
Delta investigating after plane’s nose mysteriously suffered damage
What Elon Musk's Starlink means for airlines
CAP OFF Major twist in Dublin Airport passenger cap row as High Court pauses decision in victory for airlines next summer season
Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
Calls for a blanket ban on politicians receiving free flight upgrades
Wizz Air Loses Challenge Against EU-Approved Romanian Aid for TAROM
Southwest, Other Airlines Plan a Shake-Up. Why They Need More to Boost Their Stocks.
One of Boeing's biggest customers leveled fresh criticism over ongoing 737 Max delivery delays
Low-Cost Airlines Innovate with Subscription Models
LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
WA Labor & Industries plans to create new airline worker protections
Airlines must now give automatic refunds for significant delays. Here's what to know.
Virgin Atlantic's Retreat Suite aims to redefine business class with enhanced luxury
Policy
Webp messenger creation 3a280a41 04c4 4b09 969e c4fcce90b025
Virgin Atlantic | Official Website

Airlines worldwide are enhancing premium offerings to remain competitive and meet increasing passenger expectations, especially on long-haul routes. Virgin Atlantic has followed this trend by introducing its new Upper-Class product, the Retreat Suite.

The Retreat Suite is exclusively available on Virgin Atlantic's Airbus A330-900neo, a product described by the airline as its "most spacious suite yet." It was revealed in 2022 to enhance premium offerings in the post-pandemic long-haul market. "In true Virgin Atlantic style, we have elevated the functionality, styling, and features within our latest Upper-Class cabin, as we strive to develop innovative products and services that create memorable experiences for our customers," said Henry Buckley, Virgin Atlantic’s Design Manager.

Developed in partnership with Factorydesign and Thompson Aero Seating, the Retreat Suite is based on the VantageXL First, an upgrade designed to provide a first-class-like experience within a business-class cabin. Andy Morris, VP Commercial at Thompson Aero Seating, noted this configuration adds to both "passengers and airlines" alike without adding Layout of Passenger Accommodation (LOPA) demands.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The suite's features include a 79-inch fully flat bed, a 27-inch IFE screen with Bluetooth, wireless charging, and a fully closing privacy door. An ottoman doubling as an extra seat enables face-to-face dining or expands the sleeping area. However, the suite's availability is limited to two per A330neo aircraft and cannot be booked in advance.

Virgin Atlantic plans to expand its A330neo fleet to 19 by 2028, yet the Retreat Suite will remain an exclusive offering. "The A330neo plays a significant role in our multi-billion-dollar fleet transformation, demonstrating our commitment to the planet," mentioned Corneel Koster, Chief Customer and Operating Officer at Virgin Atlantic. The airline intends to maintain a young and efficient fleet, including A350-1000s and 787-9s, by the end of the decade.

Virgin Atlantic's Retreat Suite is an innovation in premium seating, but availability constraints and its exclusive configuration challenge its accessibility. Competitors like British Airways, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue have offerings that may present more widely available alternatives, highlighting the competitive nature of premium cabin experience strategies.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Etihad Airways has announced the introduction of its new Airbus A321LR, which features luxury First Suites, lie-flat Business seats, and 4K touchscreens in Economy.

May 1, 2025

United Airlines has announced the issuance of a travel waiver for flights affected by an equipment malfunction at Newark Liberty International Airport.

May 1, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has announced an exclusive discount on flights ET 801 and ET 800 to Zanzibar for travel in May 2025.

May 1, 2025

Air France has announced a partnership with Canal+ to expand the selection of French media programs available on its inflight entertainment systems for long-haul flights.

May 1, 2025

Hainan Airlines has announced an upgrade to its global network by launching and resuming more than 60 international and regional round-trip passenger routes.

May 1, 2025

Emirates has announced plans to deploy upgraded Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft to eight additional cities, as well as introduce its first long-range Airbus A350 on Adelaide flights later this year.

May 1, 2025