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Virgin Australia begins flying new business class on Embraer E-190 jets

By John Walton     Filed under: business class, Embraer, Virgin Australia, Embraer E-190
  • published 5 Nov, 2012
  • text size: smaller larger

IN BRIEF | Virgin Australia's business class overhaul of its Embraer E-190 aircraft has moved from the workshop to the skies, with the first refitted jet making its maiden flight tonight between Brisbane and Cairns.

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.

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About John Walton

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.

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Twitter: @thatjohn

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Have something to say? Post a comment now!

1 on 23/2/12 by AirportAddict

Looking forward to your further posts on this. Loooking forward to seeing the seats.

2 on 23/2/12 by am

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...

1 on 25/2/12 by AirportAddict

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. 

3 on 25/2/12 by Noob

The single seat on the right with both a window and aisle access will be a real winner for business travelers! 

4 on 20/3/12 by FrequentFlyer

Does anyone know when they will be completed? I'm flying on an E-190 Business seat soon!

5 on 23/8/12 by aero-seat

They look different to the ones offered in the B737s especially the headrest. Maybe they are doing this for shorter routes.

6 on 6/11/12 by FrequentFlyer

This looks great, a real win for regional travellors. Especially compared to the Dash 8's.

7 on 6/11/12 by 444desiro

3B may well be my new favourite when I can't get into business class!

1 on 6/11/12 by 444desiro

3C, I meant.....

8 on 6/11/12 by aero-seat

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!

9 on 8/11/12 by stredinnick

If you choose 3C, you feet will be flying Business for free! ;-)

 

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