Virgin Atlantic Pampers Economy Flyers With First-Class Experience on New 787

Virgin Atlantic’s economy upgrades on its new transatlantic 787 route include more leg room and premium passenger experience.

While many airlines work to upgrade their premium passenger products, Virgin Atlantic is starting from the back and working its way through the cabin. Yahoo! Travel reports with the airlines’ delivery of their first Boeing 787 Dreamliner, economy passengers traveling between London and New York will be treated to a number of flyer-friendly upgrades.

The new Virgin Atlantic Dreamliner offers more pitch between seats in economy thanks to a 3-3-3 configuration that that allows for more space between seats and throughout the cabin. Additionally, Wi-Fi access will be available for a nominal fee throughout the entire cabin so flyers can stay connected while onboard. Passengers updating their Facebook status won’t have to worry about draining their device’s battery either, as each seat comes equipped with USB power outlets.

As with many modern Boeing aircraft, the new Virgin Atlantic Dreamliner offers passengers a complete lighting package that transitions throughout the flight. Passengers boarding the aircraft are bathed in a soft pink light, which the airline claims will help them relax. The lights then go through multiple phases, including a simulated candlelight experience during meal service, a “silver moonlight” phase designed to help passengers nod off, and an eight-minute “sunrise” phase that helps sleepy passengers wake up before they arrive.

In addition to the lighting, economy flyers onboard the new 787 will also enjoy number of services previously reserved for premium class. These services include being greeted with dinner menus upon boarding and full-length mirrors in spacious lavatories.

Virgin Atlantic’s first Dreamliner entered service last week, and the airline expects to have as many as 21 of the new aircraft flying by 2018.

 

[Photos: Virgin Atlantic]