Quantcast

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

Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
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

Saudia, Saudi Arabia's national airline, operates a fleet exceeding 150 aircraft from its main hubs at Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport and Riyadh King Khalid International Airport.

May 1, 2025

As Etihad Airways prepares to launch its inaugural Airbus A321LR flights, the airline has outlined the planned destinations for these aircraft.

May 1, 2025

The Boeing 787-10, a stretch variant of the Dreamliner series, has not achieved the popularity of its smaller counterparts due to its shorter range, which limits its use for long-haul routes.

May 1, 2025

Air Canada has decided to maintain its current capacity for the Montreal to San Francisco route this winter, after previously planning to increase daily flights.

May 1, 2025

United Airlines is set to operate its longest Boeing 757 flights during the summer, offering a mixed schedule between May and December 2025.

May 1, 2025

Cathay Pacific launched its new route from Hong Kong to Dallas/Fort Worth on April 24.

May 1, 2025