Virgin Australia has just launched its new-look fleet and, boy, it is sleek. The Australian carrier has invested $110 million to improve the flying experience for customers, with 33 new fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 and 737-10 aircraft that will roll out from the end of 2023 and throughout 2024. 

Let’s talk about the Economy cabin. To make the travelling experience more enjoyable for passengers, the new cabins will feature larger overhead lockers, with the capacity to stow up to 50 percent more carry-on baggage. While individual guest carry-on luggage limits will not increase, it does mean if you’re part of the tail end of passengers boarding the plane you’ll avoid having to store your bag at the other end of the plane because the overhead compartment designated to your row is already full.

The Economy seats have also been updated. A new ribbed backing will elevate comfort and ergonomics. All seats will also feature in-seat power so you can charge your devices while you fly. You can also say goodbye to a sore neck, as each seat will also come with a personal tablet/device holder, making it easy to view Virgin Australia in-flight entertainment, movies and TV shows at eye level. 

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When it comes to Business Class, guests will also benefit from in-seat power on all seats. Each seat will also be wider than on the previous fleet and feature leg rests with extendable footrests to enhance inflight comfort. The upgrade will also see each Business Class seat fitted with storage compartments, a tablet/device holder and water bottle holder. 

An entirely new seat configuration will also be rolled out through the introduction of a new design cabin divider between Business Class and Economy. The new divider will allow for greater floor space in the Economy cabin and the subsequent installation of between six and 12 additional Economy seats. 

The refurbishment of older aircrafts will also include the replacement of one Economy X row with Economy seating on all Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Once the cabin refresh program is complete, the unified in-flight offering will deliver more seats for travellers and a consistent guest experience across all flights operated by Virgin Australia Boeing 737 aircraft.  

All-in-all, frequent flyers will welcome all and any upgrades that improve the passenger comfort, but these thoughtful improvements should make flying Virgin Australia a more pleasant experience for most. 

If you’re an aviation buff, check out Qantas’ new Economy and Premium Economy cabin design for its 22-hour flight from Sydney to London and New York. You can read all about it here. 

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