Aer Lingus to upgrade its Airbus A330 business class seats, service

Qantas’ Irish partner Aer Lingus will upgrade its business class seats and service across its Airbus A330 fleet from 2015.

The new layout gives direct aisle access to 90% of business class guests, along with AC and USB power outlets and free on-board wi-fi.

Also in the revamp is an improved on-board meal service with matching wines for a “truly top restaurant experience” and a side of “modern Ireland service culture”, with on-demand dining available throughout the flight, rather than only at designated meal times.

Mainly appearing on the longer flights from Dublin to New York (JFK), Boston, San Francisco and Chicago, the new A330 seats come based on the Vantage Suite platform created by Thompson Aero Seating, and are similar to what you’ll now find on JetBlue in the United States.

For getting some rest, the seats transform into a fully-flat, two-metre bed, furthered by a turndown service for some decent shuteye…

If you’re flying out of New York (JFK) or Boston, you’ll also have the option to dine before you fly, giving you the chance to maximise your sleep in the air.

The seats have easy-to-use controls and come with a massage feature, which is both standard and expected in international business class.

On the entertainment front, a larger 16” touchscreen serves to entertain with new-release movies, 90 hours of television content and over 1,000 music albums at your beck and call.

There’s also space for your small tablet or document wallet…

… and for your shoes and laptop.

Perhaps the best feature? When you fly with Aer Lingus from Dublin or Shannon to the United States, you’ll pre-clear U.S. passport and customs formalities in Ireland.

Then, when you arrive in the land of the free, you can wander straight to the baggage carousel or out of the terminal – just like a domestic passenger.

Aer Lingus’ new business class seats and service will start appearing on its Airbus A330 fleet from March next year, but you can take a virtual business class tour now:

Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn points – although not status credits – on all Aer Lingus flights with an EI flight number.

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Chris C.

Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.