Airbus introduces enhanced cabins on its long-haul flagship A350

Virgin Atlantic operates 12 Airbus A350-1000s in two configurations. Both feature four classes: Economy Light/Classic, Economy Delight, Premium, and Upper Class. Even economy seats come equipped with an 11.5-inch screen and adjustable headrest; Premium offers wider leather seats with more recline; Upper Class suites include even larger screens and enhanced privacy features.

Upper Class sections on Virgin Atlantic's A350-1000s include either The Loft—a lounge-style area with seating around a couch—or The Booth—designed for two passengers seeking privacy or a change of scenery during flight. Each configuration aims to encourage social interaction while providing private suite benefits such as window-facing layouts and mood lighting.

Passenger feedback has generally been positive regarding comfort levels on the A350 across various classes. One traveler said: "I just [flew] with 350 few weeks ago. Economy in 2 hours flight, then premium eco in 10 hours flight. It was amazing. Even in Economy seat, the engine noise was minimal, seat was great, very very comfortable." Another passenger noted after flying both an A350 and Boeing 777 back-to-back: "After that back-to-back comparison... I think it is now my favorite plane. I couldn't believe how quiet the cabin was."

Pilots have highlighted technical aspects such as wing design and climb rate as strengths of the model: "A lesser known thing I love about the A350 is its amazing efficient wing/ climb rate..."

When compared to Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner by sources like One Mile at a Time (https://onemileatatime.com/reviews/air-france-business-class-777/), the consensus is that both planes offer similar features but that "the engines... give the A350 a cabin noise level five decibels quieter than the 787." The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines contribute not only to reduced noise but also longer range capability.

Both aircraft types maintain lower-than-average cabin pressure altitudes—5,500 feet for the A350 versus 6,000 feet for the 787—which can improve comfort by reducing dryness-related fatigue during long flights (https://www.flightglobal.com/aerospace/boeing-says-cabin-pressure-key-to-dreamliner-comfort/114264.article).

The specifications show minor differences: The typical seating capacity of an A350-941 is higher than that of a Boeing 787-9 (315 vs 290), while range favors the Airbus model (8,500 nautical miles vs 7,565). The latest versions of each aircraft allow airlines flexibility in layout due to their width—up to ten-abreast seating on some new-standard A350s compared to nine-abreast maximums on most Dreamliners.

According to passenger reviews cited from Reddit forums (https://www.reddit.com/r/travel/comments/pfxpmo/qatar_airways_a35k_versus_773er_for_long_haul/) and aviation reporting sites such as Simple Flying (https://simpleflying.com/a350-vs-b787-passenger-experience-comparison/), main factors contributing to satisfaction are reduced noise levels inside the cabin along with additional space per passenger.

While some criticism exists—for example regarding Delta’s business class seat cushions—the overall trend suggests airlines like Virgin Atlantic have optimized their offerings using features unique to this aircraft type.