Virgin Atlantic has launched a fully customised version of Thompson Aero Seating's acclaimed business-class VantageXL Suite on its new A330-900 aircraft.

The generous personal living space of the VantageXL Suite gives Virgin Atlantic passengers the ultimate in comfort and privacy, with fully enclosed suite doors and a privacy divider alongside extensive work, and relaxation space around each seat. As you would expect the Vantage provides a fully flat horizontal bed with 100% direct- aisle access and a variety of personal stowages.

Furthermore, Virgin Atlantic has taken full advantage of VantageXL's innovative design which effectively offers first class 'for free' within the front-row seats. These are possible within the same density as a traditional all-business-class cabin, with no loss of space and no need for additional monuments.

Andy Morris, VP Commercial for Thompson Aero Seating, says: “We are delighted to announce Virgin Atlantic as our latest customer for our VantageXL Suite. We are particularly pleased that Virgin Atlantic and its passengers will benefit from the two first-class suites encompassed within the VantageXL LOPA. Virgin Atlantic's choice of features to customise the seats has created a truly sumptuous environment and we hope that the comfort offered will prove to be a major selling point for the airline.”

Peter Tennent, Director at Factorydesign says: “It has been our privilege to work in collaboration with Virgin Atlantic's in-house team and our friends at Thompson Aero to create the new, customised Upper-Class Suite, with the premium plus Retreat Suite at the front of the cabin. The final XL products are a triumph and will strongly serve passengers and the wonderful Virgin Atlantic brand for many years.”

Henry Buckley, Design Manager at Virgin Atlantic commented: “With every new aircraft that we bring to market, we strive to innovate and develop products and services that offer our customers memorable experiences.

“The VantageXL is a fantastic seat and our elevated front row offering, known as the Retreat Suite, is a particularly exciting addition to the cabin, and our most spacious suite yet. These two exclusive seats, with lots of extra space, storage, and bigger screens, give our customers the opportunity to connect with each other in-flight and engage with shared experiences for up to four people to enjoy at any one time.

“We have worked to customise the styling, functionality, and product features within our latest Upper-Class suite. In true Virgin Atlantic style, we have then overlaid it with bespoke trim and finish, to give our customers an enriched in-seat experience, that offers style and comfort. We can't wait for our customers to enjoy it later this year.”

The customisation selected by Virgin Atlantic also includes an upper stowage area which offers closed stowage; wireless charging; USB A, A and AC charging outlets; wider footwells on aisle-side seats; a large, single-leaf table; an increased console surface area; full-width vertical dropping dividers, and combined feature and reading lights.

The bespoke aesthetics and styling were created in close partnership with the Virgin Atlantic and Factorydesign teams.