$135 for a better economy experience on Virgin Australia

THE class divide at altitude continues to fracture into ever-smaller segments, with Virgin Australia offering a new Economy Space Plus category on its 13-hour flight to LA.

Virgin Australia is trying a new economy offering on their 777 aircraft. Picture: Marie Nirme

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA is creating a third economy cabin on its Boeing 777 aircraft, called Economy Space plus.

Located between Economy and Premium, the 47-seat, five-row section provides more leg room and passengers will also be entitled to priority check-in and boarding and guaranteed first meal choice.

On sale from tomorrow, seats in Economy Space plus will cost an extra $135 to $165, depending on the time of booking.

Virgin Australia Chief Customer Officer Mark Hassell said they believed the product would be very popular with a range of travellers.

Virgin Australia's new Premium cabin. They've dropped the "economy" because it's more "business lite". Picture: Supplied

“Economy Space+ enables you to speed through the airport and enjoy service from dedicated crew members throughout the flight, providing great value for guests travelling to Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi,” Mr Hassell said.

The $135 additional cost takes the one-way Economy fare from Australia to LA to around $680, compared with $1200 for Premium and $2400 for Business.

The airline also used its partnership with Tourism Australia to promote its new 777 Business offering to travel agents and media at the annual Australian Tourism Exchange on the Gold Coast.

Currently available on just one aircraft flying between Australia and LA, another four jets will be upgraded by the end of September.

Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti said the 37 individual and private suites would revolutionise travel across the Pacific.

Virgin Australia's new 777 business class product on their Trans-Pacific service. Picture: Supplied

“With competition increasing from Australia to North America and the Middle East, we believe this will be the best Business Class on the Pacific, with the product also being introduced to Abu Dhabi later this year,” Mr Borghetti said.

The airline had also improved its Premium Economy offering to more of a “Business Lite” cabin, Mr Hassell said.

“From increased leg room to Business Class-trained crew, a plated meal service and a dedicated Premium Pantry, our Premium guests will be travelling in style,” he said.

“Premium is an important product for us and we are committed to ensuring those higher yielding customers receive value for money.”

Virgin Australia is Tourism Australia’s official airline partner, stepping into the void created by Qantas’ withdrawal in 2012.