Virgin Australia has revealed product details of its new build Airbus A330-200s, two of which are being delivered to the airline with a third to follow later in the year.
The three new A330-200s, which will join the two existing A330-200 acquired secondhand, will be used predominantly for transcontinental services between Sydney and Melbourne and Perth, and are being configured with 24 lie-flat business class seats (set at six abreast) and 255 economy class seats, with seat back AVOD (audio video on demand) IFE with iPod connectivity and in-seat power in both classes.
The first new build A330, VH-XFC ferried into Melbourne earlier this month, while sistership VH-XFD Bells Beach was handed over in Toulouse this week and is expected to arrive in Sydney tomorrow morning. (VH-XFD’s delivery flight can be tracked here.)
The A330s will enter service from May 15, and Virgin Australia says they “will form an important part of the business class end-to-end customer experience that includes kerbside valet parking, lounge access, award-winning inflight entertainment and gourmet dining”.
“We are focused on becoming Australia’s airline of choice and key to that is creating a consistent experience of relaxation and comfort across all of our aircraft, complemented by the best of service,” Virgin Australia chief executive officer John Borghetti said in a statement.
“These new Airbus 330 aircraft will be the flagship of our domestic fleet, providing business and leisure travellers with the kind of experience that is valued on longer flights.”