Virgin Atlantic (VS, London Heathrow) is focusing more clearly on premium cabins with its new-generation aircraft and announced a significant refurbishment programme for its B787-9s and A330-900Ns.

The British carrier will increase the number of business class seats on its B787-9s from 31 to 44. It also intends to add 21 premium economy seats, for a total of 56. The number of economy class seats will be reduced from 192 to 127. The rollout of new B787-9 cabins is scheduled for 2028, with the last unit set to be retrofitted in 2030. Virgin Atlantic's fleet comprises seventeen units of the type.

The cabins of ten A330-900s will also be modified. Virgin Atlantic announced it will increase the number of business class seats from 32 to 48 and premium economy from 46 to 56. The number of economy class seats on the A330-900s will shrink from 184 to 128. The first A330s with the new cabin layout will be delivered in 2026. Virgin Atlantic has not disclosed whether it will retrofit the existing A330-900s. The company currently operates eight units of the type and expects the delivery of sixteen more, ch-aviation data shows.

The aircraft will feature upgraded business class seats, branded as Retreat Suite, with more space and additional amenities. B787s will have eight enlarged business class seats, while A330s will be equipped with six.

Virgin Atlantic's in-house fleet also comprises six A330-300s (due to be replaced by the incoming -900s) and twelve A350-1000s.