Great! any media preview pictures?

The thing is that these aircraft are 4 seats across and it probably means that they can really do much in the way of wider seats!?

What will they offer? different colour seats, lounge access, free food, more baggage. i just dont see them having any room to play with their seats to make them any better than the ones in economy.

Hi George - mate, if we had pics we'd definitely be publishing them – all we have are the details listed above, and as soon as we get anything else we'll whack it straight up here!

I'm wondering whether they will try a 1-2 seating configuration in business class on the E190s. 

It would mean they would have to have a larger gap between the two classes because of the fact that the aisles would not be in line with each other. Otherwise, i think it would be a good idea. But i reckon what they may do, is just have it the same as premium with a different colour. just have to wait and see.

kevrosmith, it looks like you may be right about the 1 -2 seating arrangement. Check out this - http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/virgin-australia-velocity/virgin-australia-e190-business-class-35369.html

It doesnt mean that is the colour scheme they will have...

AA, I can't see anything in that link which suggests Kevrosmith might be right. It just shows an E190 layout for one of the US airlines, that's got nothing to do with what Virgin may or may not do with its E190. Think about it, if Virgin went to a 1-2 layout they'd have to drop 3 seats from business class, going from 12 to 9. That means 25% less revenue from the most high-priced seats, I can't see any airline doing that unless they bump up prices to make the shortfall.

What do you think they will do then? have it like they had the premium economy???

Looks like they are going to block the seat next to a real Biz Class booking on the E190 at the moment.  So looks like they are prepared to loose up to 4 seats based on current E190 seating configurations.  A 1-2 config will give them a 50% increase on their current config (6 seats compared to 4 seats across 2 rows: 8 seats, with 4 seats blocked).

With business class already available to purchase on the E190s, what will Virgin actually be offering if none of the upgrades have actually been completed yet?

Most likely just having the first 2 rows as business and offering all the advantages that they usually offer in business. That is my assumption. Someone please pick me up on it if they know better.

It'll be the rest of the business class package (inc new meals etc)...

AusBT: Can you do a summary table of the features of Biz Class across all their Biz Class aircraft and services?  I can count these so far: E190 now, E190 future (take a guess what you think they'll do), 737-700 Refurb, 737-800 Refurb, 737s New, A330 and A330 Coast-to-Coast.  The DJ website is very confusing with different aircraft listed and multiple footnotes/clarifications ('*'s). Thanks

Hear Hear!

Absolutely! It's on our list of stories to write -- and we'll also be including the premium economy offering since the Virgin website is currently suggesting that the 737-700s will not be refurbished with business class.

Virgin Nigeria has the 1 -2 seating configuration for business class on the E190. I reckon they should do it for Virgin Australia. [I am wondering why on earth Virgin would have an airline in nigeria!?]

Virgin doesn't have an airline in Nigeria any more. It's called Air Nigeria (this month) since IIRC the Nigerian government mucked them around too much, and Virgin Group has either sold or is in the process of selling its minority stake.

And the why? Nigeria is an enormous oil market, a principal west African hub, and there are (according to the CIA factbook) 167 million people in Nigeria. 

If they say they are blocking off 1 seat, is this a temporary thing or what? sounds a bit unfinished if you ask me. hope they come up with a 1 2 config.