Virgin Atlantic A330 neo Upper Class

LONDON-TAMPA

- Tom Otley

BACKGROUND Virgin has ordered a total of 16 A330 neo aircraft for its long-haul operations, configured, at least initially, in three classes: economy, premium economy and business (Upper Class). The 'neo' stands for new engine option (in this case, Rolls Royce Trent 7000 engines), which along with improvements to the wing deliver an 11 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency over the existing A330 aircraft in Virgin's fleet, and a 50 per cent improvement in noise.

This was the inaugural flight to Tampa, which started in November, initially four times a week before becoming daily from November 28, 2022. The normal departure time is 1330, but this flight left at 0800 to allow for a press conference on arrival.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS I arrived by taxi at London Heathrow T3 at 0600 for my 0800 departure on VS129, with a flight time of ten-and-a-half hours. I had hand luggage only and had already checked in online, so after getting my boarding card at the Upper Class check-in counter I took the lift up to the Upper Class security and was quickly airside and on my way to the lounge.

THE LOUNGE The Virgin Club House normally opens at 0630, but because of our earlier flight it opened at 0600. We had a reception with breakfast in the far left-hand corner, and though we were among the first to arrive, by the time we left to board at 0715 the lounge was filling up. As an aside, unlike some other airlines, Virgin rightly thinks there is a value in providing magazines and newspapers for its guests.

BOARDING Boarding from Gate 16 was swift with two air bridges. I entered from the front door and turned right into the cabin to get to my seat 3G.