In-Flight Wi-Fi service on Virgin Atlantic aircrafts is now provided by SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet system.
Virgin Atlantic has announced a groundbreaking deal with SpaceX's Starlink, aiming to bring high-speed, satellite-powered Wi-Fi to its entire fleet. This move positions the airline as the first UK carrier to offer such a service.
The in-flight connectivity upgrade, set to begin in Q3 2026, will be installed on Boeing 787s, Airbus A350s, and A330neos. The rollout is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Siobhan Fitzpatrick, Chief Experience Officer at Virgin Atlantic, stated that the Starlink service will deliver "free, streaming quality, unlimited, fleet-wide Wi-Fi." This move is part of Virgin Atlantic's goal to provide guests with the best connectivity in the skies, further elevating the onboard experience.
The in-flight connectivity experience offered by Virgin Atlantic is described as a "home away from home," enabling passengers to seamlessly connect from gate to gate using multiple devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops. With the Starlink Wi-Fi, passengers will be able to stream, game, make video calls, and shop online during flights.
Virgin Atlantic joins an expanding list of Starlink airline partners, which includes Qatar Airways, United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JSX, Air France, airBaltic, Air New Zealand, SAS, and WestJet. Emirates is reportedly in talks with SpaceX for future in-flight connectivity.
Starlink's satellite network is driving faster in-flight Wi-Fi across the globe, according to Ookla's latest analysis. The use of Starlink's satellite Wi-Fi will undoubtedly revolutionise the in-flight connectivity landscape, making flights more enjoyable and productive for passengers.
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- Virgin Atlantic's implementation of the Starlink service will elevate their in-flight connectivity, offering passengers the ability to stream, game, make video calls, and shop online, setting a new standard in space-and-astronomy-driven technology for the airline industry.
- With the deployment of Starlink technology, Virgin Atlantic will set themselves apart, delivering science-advanced, high-speed satellite-powered Wi-Fi to their entire fleet, joining a growing list of airline partners who are revolutionising the in-flight connectivity landscape.
