Virgin Atlantic’s new Retreat Suite on the A330-900neo introduces a unique “first-class” experience within the Upper-Class cabin.
Highly customized VantageXL First enters service as Virgin Atlantic’s Retreat Suite
Passengers on Virgin Atlantic can experience the epitome of luxury with Virgin Atlantic’s new Retreat Suite, a highly customized version of Thompson Aero Seating’s VantageXL First fully flat-bed seat. Designed specifically for the Upper-Class, this exclusive seating option has been integrated into each Virgin Atlantic A330-900neo aircraft, featuring two Retreat Suites in the center front row.
Innovative Design and Enhanced Aircraft Cabin Comfort
The innovative configuration of the VantageXL seating range allows for a seamless two-class cabin experience at the density of an all-business-class layout, effectively offering airlines the luxury of first class at no additional cost. Virgin Atlantic has taken full advantage of this ingenious design to create the Retreat Suite, providing passengers with a heightened level of opulence within the same space as a traditional all-business-class cabin.
Unmatched Personal Space and Premium Features
Indulge in the extra personal space afforded by these exclusive suites, ideal for relaxation, fine dining, or sleeping. Each fully flat bed measures an impressive 78.9″ in length, ensuring optimal comfort throughout your journey. Stay entertained with a 27″ touchscreen TV featuring Bluetooth connectivity and wireless charging, while Thompson Aero Seating’s ottoman design doubles as an additional seat, allowing passengers to dine with a friend or expand their sleeping area.
The VantageXL Suite: Ultimate Comfort and Functionality
Not only does the Upper Class (business-class) cabin boast the Retreat Suite, but it also features the VantageXL Suite, meticulously customized by Thompson Aero Seating. Enjoy 77″ fully flat beds equipped with privacy doors, 17.3″ touchscreen TVs, and passenger-controlled mood lighting. The seats offer direct aisle access, ample work and relaxation space, and various personal stowage options to store devices and comfort items conveniently during the flight.
Collaboration and Passenger Satisfaction in the Aviation Industry
Andy Morris, VP Commercial for Thompson Aero Seating, expresses great pride in collaborating with Virgin Atlantic to create this exceptional option: “The VantageXL offers Virgin Atlantic passengers an incredibly comfortable and enjoyable flight. The Retreat Suite, as part of the VantageXL First suites, adds an extra element of indulgence and serves as a significant attraction for customers without any additional demands on the passenger accommodation. It truly is a win-win for passengers and airlines alike.”
In other words, the airline can add two upgraded seats to the cabin without sacrificing space or having to reconfigure the seat layout.
Henry Buckley, Design Manager at Virgin Atlantic, said of the introduction of this new seating option: “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. The VantageXL suite is a fantastic product, and our enhanced front-row offering, known as the Retreat Suite, is a particularly exciting addition to the cabin. It’s our most spacious suite yet. These two exclusive seats, with lots of extra space, storage, and bigger screens, give our customers the opportunity to connect with each other in-flight and engage with shared experiences for up to four people to enjoy. We are thrilled that our newest product is now in service, and we hope that our customers are as delighted with it as we are.”
Elevating the Passenger Experience: Enhanced Front-Row Offering
By adding these two upgraded seats without compromising space or necessitating seat layout reconfiguration, airlines can enhance the cabin experience for their discerning passengers. Henry Buckley, Design Manager at Virgin Atlantic, shares his excitement about the introduction of this new seating option, highlighting its elevated functionality, styling, and features. The enhanced front-row offering, known as the Retreat Suite, provides ample space, storage, and larger screens, allowing up to four passengers to connect and engage in shared experiences during the flight.
In creating the bespoke cabin interior for Virgin Atlantic, Thompson Aero Seating worked closely with Virgin Atlantic and Factorydesign to ensure the design features met the distinctive vision and ethos of the airline. The styling and functionality have been carefully conceived to give a feeling of opulence and to differentiate Virgin Atlantic’s offering.
Thompson Aero Seating: Customized Aircraft Interiors and Industry Leadership
Thompson Aero Seating collaborated closely with Virgin Atlantic and Factorydesign to create the bespoke cabin interior, ensuring that the design aligns with the distinctive vision and ethos of the airline. The styling and functionality have been meticulously conceived to exude opulence and differentiate Virgin Atlantic’s offering.
Leading Provider of Premium Aircraft Interiors in the Aviation Industry
Thompson Aero Seating is a renowned provider of premium class, full-flat bed airline seating known for its cutting-edge design, engineering, and manufacturing. Their bespoke solutions maximize personal space for passengers and optimize every inch of the cabin through intelligent design. With a worldwide customer base including top airlines such as Delta, China Eastern, and Singapore Airlines, Thompson Aero Seating is a leading supplier of Business and First-class aircraft seating. Their seats can be found on major aircraft platforms like Airbus A321, A330, and A350, as well as Boeing B737 and B787, demonstrating their expanding product portfolio and increasing market share.
“We have taken great pride and satisfaction in working with Virgin Atlantic to create this truly exclusive option,” says Andy Morris, VP Commercial for Thompson Aero Seating. “The VantageXL offers Virgin Atlantic passengers an extremely comfortable and enjoyable flight. The bonus of the VantageXL First suites – the Retreat Suite – is an added element of indulgence and an extra draw for customers, with no additional LOPA (location of passenger accommodation), demands. It really is a win-win for passengers and airlines alike.”
Just the Facts
- Each Virgin Atlantic A330-900neo features two Retreat Suites in the center front row.
- These exclusive suites provide additional personal space for relaxation, fine dining, or sleeping.
- The fully flat beds are 78.9”
- Each passenger has a 27” touchscreen TV with Bluetooth connectivity and wireless charging.
- Thompson has created an ottoman that doubles as an extra seat, enabling the passenger to dine with a friend or to increase the sleeping space.
- The fully flat beds are 78.9”
- Each passenger has a 27” touchscreen TV with Bluetooth connectivity and wireless charging.
- Thompson has created an ottoman that doubles as an extra seat, enabling the passenger to dine with a friend or to increase the sleeping space.