Virgin Atlantic promises free ‘streaming-quality’ in-flight Wi-Fi

Virgin Atlantic will become the first UK airline to offer free ‘streaming quality’ Starlink Wi-Fi on flights.

 

The connectivity provided by Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider is to be made available to passengers from autumn 2026.

 

Installation across the airline’s fleet of Airbus A330neos, A350s and Boeing 787s is due to be completed by the end of 2027.

 

Unlimited usage will be offered for every passenger who signs up to the airline’s Flying Club loyalty scheme.

 

Virgin Atlantic aims to operate a mixed fleet of 45 next-generation fuel-efficient aircraft, including 19 A330-900s, 12 A350-1000s and 14 B787-9s, with an average age of just under seven years by 2028, following the completion of a $17 billion fleet transformation. 

 

Premium seat capacity will be increased across the fleet due to high demand, according to the carrier.

 

The airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will be refitted with new seating in all three cabins between 2028 and 2030. 

 

Both the Upper Class and premium cabins will increase in size, offering 44 Upper Class seats and 56 premium seats - up from 31 and 35 respectively. 

 

The Retreat Suite will be introduced to the 787-9, with eight seats available in every Upper Class cabin. 

 

The economy cabin will reduce from 192 to 127 seats featuring existing Economy Delight, Classic and Light options.

 

Ten A330neos will be delivered configured with increased premium cabins, with 48 Upper Class, 56 premium and 128 economy (verses 32, 46 and 184 respectively). Four more Retreat Suites will be added into the A330neo Upper Class cabin to provide a total of six per aircraft.

 

The Retreat suite, introduced in 2022, comprises of a 6ft 7” direct seat to fully flat bed, a 27” touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity, wireless charging and an ottoman that doubles up as an extra seat, allowing up to four people to comfortably dine.

 

Flying Club is to be revamped by introducing recognition for passengers with multi-year loyalty who may not travel enough for tier status progression. 

 

Airline chief executive Shai Weiss, who unveiled the series of updates including refurbished Clubhouses at Heathrow and New York JFK, said: "In the last four decades, we’ve evolved from a challenger to a leader and a premium, long-haul flag carrier. 

 

“We exist to make our customers smile, it’s that simple – obsessing over finding new ways to delight our guests, delivered by our amazing people, on our journey to become the most loved travel company. 

 

“We are investing billions to fly the youngest fleet across the Atlantic; the first UK airline to have free, streaming quality, fleet-wide Wi-Fi; more premium cabins and a full retrofit of the 787 fleet; alongside a new app featuring the world of Virgin Atlantic in your pocket, all delivered by our amazing teams. The best is yet to come.”

 

Chief experience officer Siobhan Fitzpatrick added: "Our announcements provide a snapshot into the future of how we care, serve, and delight every single one of our guests. 

 

“Every new product, partnership and platform unveiled has been shaped by guest insight and fuelled by our people’s ingenuity. We understand who our guests are and everything we do begins with them, as we use our insights to create thoughtful experiences that feel brilliantly different at every opportunity.”