Virgin’s Vancouver connection
Vancouver- to- London trip offers atmosphere and amenities — even in economy
Flight adventurer Richard Branson thrilled the locals Friday with the flamboyant launch of Virgin Airlines’ new service to London — and Lucy Hyslop to try the flight out.
Flight adventurer Richard Branson’s long desire to take us all into space travel one day soon is writ large on his Virgin Atlantic airline — even at a paltry 36,000 feet.
Sure, his future Virgin Galactic astronauts’ mission will be out of this world, something he said he was “ridiculously excited” about at the flamboyant launch Thursday of his new London-to- Vancouver flight service. ( It was heralded by Branson carrying U. K. Olympic skeleton gold medallist Amy Williams over the threshold of the inaugural plane from England.)
But, for the time being, flying in ‘ Miss Sunshine’ on the return flight from Vancouver to London Thursday night feels pretty space- agey.
From the mood lighting of subtle blue, purple and pink in its first- class cabin service, Upper Class, to the deep purple seating in Premium Economy ( the middle- cabin service it hails as Virgin’s invention two decades ago) and red of Economy, Virgin’s hues are also evocative of a lively, cutting- edge world of travel.
Its staff is noteworthy, too: The female crew sports uber- groomed trademark red suits, heels and Upper Class Red lips ( yes, there’s even a lipstick application thanks to a Virgin Atlantic/ bare Minerals collaboration).
For many British, Virgin is the only way to fly ( I have friends coming to visit me — after 12 years in B. C. — only now that Virgin has landed). It’s certainly flexed its innovation muscles since launching in 1984 with some well- executed details: Children receiving backpacks with sweets and colouring books, for example, and everyone being doled out ice creams mid- flight ( yes, even in Economy). The staff has even been trained by a “whispering coach” to perfect the optimum decibel level at which to talk to its elite passengers.
This new Vancouver service — its 32nd destination — feels particularly fresh. We’re on a new Airbus A330 and you quickly know it’s one of its new fleet by the crisp new smell on board. No matter what cabin you’re in, the touch- screen entertainment system gives you access to 300 hours of videos, games and music, and Premium and Economy are given a choice between three meals rather than the usual two. ( It’s five courses in its premium class, Upper Class — complete with an Amuse Bouche.) There is also intermittent access to allow you to make calls and receive texts through international roaming, except for the usual takeoff and landing.
Tonight I’m luxuriating in this Upper cabin, wrapped up in a black baggy ‘ sleep suit’ ( think: Vancouver sweatpants’ attire).
The “suite” — the name for my seat-that-doubles- as- a- bed complete with substantial quilt — has sleek, contemporary curves and is configured in a zigzag way with every bed facing forward. ( It’s similar to Air Canada, but unlike British Airways which can leave you potentially stepping over your neighbour to use the bathroom.)
Everything is easy to navigate: From the table that folds out to the little ottoman that can also work as a seat for guests. And mingling behind the glittering sequined partition at the backlit in- air bar — complete with bar stools and glamorous wide- rimmed champagne glasses à la Mad Men — is to wallow in sybaritic splendour. It all feels smart without being stuffy.
The flight was 20 minutes early coming into Vancouver and 10 minutes back into London landing at Heathrow Terminal 3 ( BA’S arrival into the calmer, newer, more spacious Terminal 5 wins on that front). So for those worried that its posted approximate 10- hour slot is around an hour longer than Air Canada and British Airways, the flight appears comparable to the others flying to London including Air Transat and Thomas Cook.
( Before my flight Chris Rossi, Virgin’s senior vice- president of North America, explained that the scheduled hours are “block times” which include a certain amount of time on the ground.)
Virgin Atlantic is putting its “toe in the water”, according to Branson, the company president, with this four-day-a- week Vancouver service. It may increase its service for longer ( it stops on Oct. 27) and on more days if all goes to plan. “I like to bring competition to the marketplace,” he said at a surprise appearance Thursday at the Great British Breakfast event at the Fairmont Pacific Rim hosted by the British Consul. He’s feeling optimistic, adding that he felt there was a great affinity between Canadians and the British. Or as he put it, “We’re like brothers and sisters.”