Virgin Atlantic has become the first United Kingdom airline to announce plans to implement Starlink in-flight connectivity on all of its Boeing 787, Airbus A350, and A330neo aircraft.
According to a news release from the carrier, its fleet will begin upgrading for access to Starlink satellite internet in the third quarter of 2026. Plans are to complete installations by the end of 2027.
“We never stop innovating for our guests and today, in a first for any UK airline, we’ll soon have free, streaming quality, unlimited, fleet-wide Wi-Fi,” said Virgin Atlantic CEO Siobhan Fitzpatrick in the release. “Together with Starlink, we are delighted to provide our guests with the best connectivity in the skies, further elevating our onboard experience.”
“The new service allows our guests to create a home away from home experience, allowing customers to connect seamlessly, from the moment they board the aircraft, enjoying the same quality in the air as they do on the ground,” he added.
Elon Musk’s Starlink has swiftly become a popular internet service used by carriers like Qatar Airways, Air France, airBaltic, and Hawaiian.
The service leverages an advanced satellite constellation in low Earth orbit to offer high-speed and low-latency internet all over the world. The technology has also been deployed in remote and isolated areas where traditional internet access has been limited.
Virgin Atlantic stated that its Starlink Wi-Fi will be free for its Flying Club members.
“The new service aims to create a ‘home away from home’ Wi-Fi experience, allowing customers to connect seamlessly, from the moment they board the aircraft, enjoying the same quality in the air as they do on the ground,” the release stated. “During the flight, Starlink will enable customers to enjoy elevated entertainment, including downloading and streaming their favourite TV shows, gaming with friends on the ground, browsing internet shopping, catching up on work, watching live sports games and connecting with friends and family. Customers will be able to utilize multiple devices simultaneously including smartphones, laptops and tablets.”
