Air update

Virgin Atlantic is flying high with the announcement this week it has three new ways to take to the air. Acknowledging that one size doesn’t fit all, from spring the airline will be introducing ‘economy delight’, ‘economy classic’ and ‘economy light’ tickets.

A row of seats from its 787 planes has been removed to make room for additional economy delight seats which feature 34in legroom. The economy delight fare will also include free advanced seat assignment, a welcome feature for families and groups wanting to sit together, along with priority check-in and boarding. Free advanced seat assignment is also available with the economy classic ticket (31in seat pitch) while economy light will be the airline’s first hand baggage-only fare.

The airline hopes the new options will provide a fare that suits most budgets or travel styles, and all three will still include meals and drinks, in-flight entertainment, headphones, a blanket and pillow.

The new economy ticket range is part of a £300million investment which sees the introduction of four new automated bag drops at Gatwick this summer, followed by 18 at Heathrow from winter.

Founder Sir Richard Branson said: “When I started Virgin Atlantic I wanted to challenge the status quo and make flying amazing – regardless of which cabin you’re in – and that’s still true today.”