Virgin Atlantic said on July 9 it will retrofit its 787-9 fleet, introducing new seating in all three cabin classes.
The upgraded cabin design is inspired by its A330neo design. Both the upper class and premium cabins will increase in size, offering 44 upper class seats and 56 premium seats, up from 31 and 35 seats, respectively. In addition, the retrofit will introduce the ‘retreat suite’ to the 787-9, with eight seats available in every upper class cabin. The economy cabin will reduce from 192 to 127 seats.
The retrofitted 787s will roll out 2028 and be completed by 2030.
In addition, the airline said that following its AU$17bn ($11.1bn) fleet transformation, by 2028, the airline will operate a mixed fleet of 45 100% next generation fuel-efficient aircraft, including 19 A330-900s, 12 A350-1000s, and 14 787-9s, with an average age just under seven years.
“Due to high demand for premium cabins, the premium seat count will be increased in its fleet,” said the airline in a statement.
From the third quarter of 2026, 10 A330neo aircraft will be delivered configured with increased premium cabins. In addition, four more retreat suits will be added into the A330neo upper class suite.
The airline will also introduce Starlink free Wi-Fi on its 787, A350, and A330neo fleets from the third quarter of next year. The installation is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. This will mark the first UK airline to introduce the internet service.