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Virgin Atlantic is fast-tracking the introduction of Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet. It aims to provide free, high-speed connectivity to passengers from takeoff to landing as part of a major upgrade to the onboard experience. British Airways rolled out its first aircraft with Starlink last month and it’s great to see Virgin Atlantic will also soon have it installed.
The airline will begin installing Starlink on its Airbus A350 aircraft starting in May with the first customer flight scheduled to operate from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Virgin Atlantic expects all A350 aircraft to be fully equipped with the service by early summer.
Following the Airbus A350 rollout, the airline will expand installation to its Boeing 787 and Airbus A330neo fleets. The Boeing 787 aircraft are expected to begin receiving Starlink connectivity in the second half of 2026, with approximately 67% of the fleet equipped by the end of the year. Full fleet coverage is anticipated by 2027. Virgin Atlantic first announced its partnership with Starlink in July 2025. It was the first UK airline to commit to offering free, fleet-wide high-speed Wi-Fi (although British Airways got an aircraft with it installed out first).
Powered by a network of low-Earth orbit satellites, Starlink delivers high-speed, low-latency internet access, even over remote areas. The service is designed to replicate a ground-like internet experience in the air, allowing passengers to stay connected throughout their journey. Flying Club members will be able to access the service at no cost to enable activities such as streaming video, browsing the web, gaming, shopping online, and more. Passengers will also be able to connect multiple devices simultaneously.
Virgin Atlantic’s investment in Starlink reflects a broader shift in the airline industry where reliable onboard connectivity is becoming a key differentiator for travelers. The airline aims to create a seamless digital environment in the cabin while allowing customers to remain productive, entertained, and connected throughout their flight.
Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Customer Officer, Juha Jaervinen, said:
We were the first UK airline to announce free, fleet-wide Starlink Wi-Fi, and from May, we’re starting to deliver it for our customers. As the rollout gathers pace, we plan to deliver 100% Starlink connectivity across our fleet in 2027, as part of our focus on creating a brilliantly connected experience. Together with Starlink, we’re setting a new standard for connectivity in the skies, with fast, free, high-speed WiFi available from the moment customers step onboard. It’s all part of creating a truly connected, ‘home away from home’ experience, giving customers the freedom to use their time onboard exactly as they choose, whether that’s staying close to work, to plans, or to the people who matter most.”
Anthony’s Take: As the rollout progresses, Virgin Atlantic is getting ready to set a new benchmark for what passengers can expect when flying long-haul and remain competitive with what British Airways will offer.
(Featured Image Credit: Virgin Atlantic.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
