Exclusive First Look: Virgin Australia's Luxurious International Business Class Debut

"Every seat is an aisle seat!"

With these words, Virgin Australia Group CEO John Borghetti heralded a new chapter for the airline, delighting frequent travelers everywhere.

Travelzoo enjoyed an exclusive preview of Virgin Australia's new International Business Class at a private event at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Dubbed "The Business," the launch took place on a scenic tarmac section at LAX, attended by select bloggers and international media. "It makes sense to launch here in this key market," Borghetti noted. "Los Angeles was Virgin Australia's first long-haul international destination." The U.S. ranks as Australia's third-largest visitor market, contributing $2.6 billion annually.

Joined by uniformed flight attendants in Virgin Australia's signature red, Borghetti led guests aboard a refurbished Boeing 777-300ER. The standout feature: a fully stocked Business Class Bar and Lounge with stylish stools, designed to set a premium tone for the journey. "What's visually appealing helps prepare passengers mentally for the flight ahead," Borghetti explained.

The bar separates the 37-suite Business Class into two intimate cabins, illuminated by sophisticated lighting and featuring a 1-2-1 layout for direct aisle access—ideal for 15-hour flights.

Each private suite offers exceptional comfort: seats with triple-layer cushioning and memory-foam toppers convert to queen-size beds, complete with high-grade cotton pillows. The reverse herringbone design ensures privacy, ample storage, and workspace. The 18-inch high-definition entertainment screen is the largest on Australia-North America routes.

Designed by London-based tangerine, the suites emphasize texture, shape, and tactility for a distinctive feel. Tangerine's Creative Director Matt Round shared, "We aimed to create something truly unique, from visuals to touch." The cabin has earned a Good Design Award, a Red Dot Award, and was a Crystal Cabin Awards 2016 finalist.

Dining highlights include gourmet menus by celebrity chef Luke Mangan, premium wines, cocktail-and-canapé service, and Nespresso coffee.

The preview also showcased the new 24-seat Premium Economy cabin, with 41-inch pitch seats offering nine inches of recline, served by Business Class-trained crew and featuring Business-inspired meals plus a self-serve pantry.

Economy Space+ in the first five rows and exit rows provides extra legroom. Virgin Australia's Boeing 777s maintain the best bathroom-to-passenger ratio: one toilet per 12 passengers.

Five refurbished aircraft with these products will launch by September, primarily serving LAX to Sydney and Brisbane. Flights operate via a 2009 Delta alliance, with 21 weekly services between Australia and LAX.

Borghetti acknowledged growing competition from Qantas, Air New Zealand, United, and American, pressuring fares. However, "Pricing reflects supply, demand, and product quality," he said, noting a modest Business Class price increase of a few hundred dollars from September.

Additionally, Virgin Australia plans fleet-wide Wi-Fi by mid-2017.

Experience the new Boeing 777-300ER products in virtual reality here.