Carrier upgrades as BA goes head to head

Carrier upgrades as BA goes head to head

The first phase of improvements to Brazilian airline Varig’s fleet come into effect on April 16.

Enhancements to first-class cabins include a new armchair seat with 172 degree recline, lap top connections, privacy divider and individual videos, while business class has noise-reduction headphones, more comfortable chairs with foot rests and laptop connections.

The amenities will eventually be introduced on all the airline’s MD-11 aircraft, and will be in place on two new Boeing 777s due for delivery in the autumn.

In a multi-million dollar overhaul of its facilities and services, Varig has also improved its lounges in Brazil. Two business-class lounges have been added at Sïo Paulo, along with new first-class and domestic facilities. Showers, complimentary bath kits, massage chair and business centres have all been included. A first-class, business-class and domestic lounge has been built at Rio de Janeiro.

The improvements come as British Airways goes head-to-head with Varig with the launch of a daily service to Rio from Heathrow. Previously BA flew five times a week from Gatwick. Varig operates a daily service from Heathrow to Rio via Sïo Paulo.

Varig general manager, UK and Ireland, Cesar Lima Santos said:”The upgrades are not in direct response to BA. It is a global change for Varig. We have always promoted Brazil as a country and the extra capacity is good news for Brazil as it means greater accessibility.

“Last year we spent £500,000 on promoting Brazil in the UK with adverts on London taxis, an underground poster campaign and other promotional work.”

This year, the airline, which sponsors next month’s Brazilian trade show Brite, will be holding agent workshops in the autumn with the tourist board.

A return economy ticket for travel at the end of June costs £480 plus taxes with Varig; during the July peak season the normal fare is £565 plus taxes.

The airline has also extended its air pass, introduced as a one-off last year to mark the 500 year anniversary of the discovery of Brazil. The air pass gives a minimum of five stops and a maximum of nine and costs from $530 to $930 but is only valid with a return air fare.

Upgraded: Varig has invested heavily in improving facilities at its hubs