Virgin Australia begins flying new business class on Embraer E190 jets
By John Walton, November 5 2012
IN BRIEF | Virgin Australia's business class overhaul of its Embraer E190 aircraft has moved from the workshop to the skies, with the first refitted jet making its maiden flight tonight between Brisbane and Cairns.
Virgin's new E190 business class adopts a 2-1 layout
The refurb sees two wide seats to the right of the cabin and one on the left, with 38 inches of seat pitch.
This compares favourably to the previous business class config, which was closer to Virgin's old Premium Economy seating -- a regular seat with a bit of extra legroom and an empty seat next to you in the aircraft's 2-2 cabin.
Aviation journalist and travel columnist John took his first long-haul flight when he was eight weeks old and hasn't looked back since. Well, except when facing rearwards in business class.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
05 Jan 2012
Total posts 335
Looking forward to your further posts on this. Loooking forward to seeing the seats.
15 Apr 2011
Total posts 580
Glad to see that they've done the right thing with the E190's - they could easily have retained the existing concept with a bit more legroom and Business Class service. I'm not convinced it will last though...
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
05 Jan 2012
Total posts 335
What makes you think it wont last long?
It is good in the way that you have three options - window + aisle, window only, or aisle only.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Frequent Flyer
28 May 2011
Total posts 81
The single seat on the right with both a window and aisle access will be a real winner for business travelers!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Mar 2012
Total posts 233
Does anyone know when they will be completed? I'm flying on an E-190 Business seat soon!
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
23 May 2012
Total posts 268
They look different to the ones offered in the B737s especially the headrest. Maybe they are doing this for shorter routes.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Mar 2012
Total posts 233
This looks great, a real win for regional travellors. Especially compared to the Dash 8's.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
06 Aug 2012
Total posts 65
3B may well be my new favourite when I can't get into business class!
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
06 Aug 2012
Total posts 65
3C, I meant.....
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
23 May 2012
Total posts 268
Finally they are flying the E190 Business Class product! The new business class product looks really good and comfortable. It matches what is being offered with the 737s really nicely. It is good to see Virgin is improving these aircraft regional aircraft. I suspect that Virgin's Embraers will compete with Qantas' Q400 and B717 aircraft. Well done Virgin!
Will the AusBT team be on that flight or flights in the near future? I really love your photo tours and reviews!
30 Jun 2011
Total posts 49
If you choose 3C, you feet will be flying Business for free! ;-)
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