On the plane like in the restaurant, here is the new cabin of Virgin Atlantic's A350s
Of all the airlines operating in Europe personally there is only one that I would like to see fly from Italy as well, [...]
Virgin Atlantic
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Of all the companies that operate in Europe personally there is only one that I would like to see fly from Italy as well, I am talking about Virgin Atlantic.
The company founded by the histrionic Sir Richard Branson is certainly among the most interesting in the world, not only for the iconic Club House at London Heathrow Terminal 3, but for the entire experience it offers on board its aircraft.
After retiring the 747s, now the company's fleet sees the Airbus A350 as its flagship. And it is on the new A350s coming in the next few months that Virgin will install a section called the Dining Booth between the Upper Class (that's what business class is called) and economy cabins.
These 12 new planes were ordered with a different configuration from the other Airbuses in the fleet, as they will be used on routes mainly dedicated to leisure travel. Therefore, there will be fewer business class seats and more tourist class seats on board, precisely because according to the company these planes will be used on tourist destinations to fly from London to the Caribbean and other leisure destinations.
In fact, this small area is the alter-ego of what is called "The loft" on board other Virgin A350s. Again, the area is designed as a lounge for passengers to sit at the bar, have a drink and chat during the flight.
A350/1000s will be configured to accommodate 402 passengers, 100 more than those currently in the fleet: 16 seats in upper class, 56 in premium economy, and 335 in economy. Interesting to see how the 100 seats in the back of the plane are the result of reducing 28 business seats. In practice, for every seat less in the most exclusive class, 4 seats are gained in the cheapest class.
In conclusion
This news is not comparable to what the (few) airlines that fly A380s offer, but it's really interesting to think about being able to get together at the table in the airplane restaurant to have dinner with the friends you are traveling with like in a real bistro.
It's just too bad that in order to fly one of these planes, you have to go to London and take off from there to one of the routes where VA will fly starting next December, when the first aircraft will enter service.
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