Virgin Atlantic’s new plane features cocktail lounge and seats inspired by luxury fashion

Virgin Atlantic has pulled back the curtain on its new A350 aircraft, which features seats inspired by luxury handbags and haute couturiers.

There is also an upper deck lounge where guests can sip on cocktails, mingle and watch a film, cinema-style.

Picture: Virgin Atlantic

Set to take its maiden voyage this summer from London to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, Virgin Atlantic’s newest aircraft, dubbed Red Velvet, has been designed to upgrade the flying experience with bespoke seating and updated amenities.

The A350s will also be the first to replace the carrier’s iconic “Flying Lady” logo with its new “Flying Icons”, designed to represent the diversity of Britain and do away with the outmoded — and perhaps chauvinist — pin-up girl model that has emblazoned its aircrafts over the last 30 years.

The new “Flying Icons” feature people of colour, the rainbow flag and the Union Jack.

It’s goodbye to @VirginAtlantic’s Flying Lady – and hello to five new flying icons you’ll be able to spot on their new fleet of aircraft https://t.co/GWeq448kmE #AvGeek #AirbusA350 #AviationNews pic.twitter.com/sWNTCs6tlg

— Virgin (@Virgin) April 3, 2019

For the premium class seats, designers sought inspiration from luxury handbag makers with the use of soft, rich leathers and deep stitching to convey an upscale aesthetic.

The same principle was also espoused for economy class, where seats are made with layered, woven wool blends inspired after techniques used at fashion houses for their heritage fabrics.

Travelling in a group or want to stretch your legs? Upper Class flyers can meet and mingle at the new lounge and social space called The Loft, where they can order a variety of cocktails, sit down to afternoon tea or connect to the 32-inch flat screen to watch a film.

Picture: Virgin Atlantic

The monitor is also Bluetooth-compatible.

The Upper Class’s 44 suites have been designed to offer greater levels of privacy with higher walls and deployable privacy screens, and feature the airline’s largest flat screens at 18.5 inches.

Virgin Atlantic has ordered a dozen A350 aircrafts.

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