Virgin Atlantic becomes first U.K. airline to announce free Starlink internet

Virgin Atlantic has become the first U.K. airline to reveal plans for adding Starlink in-flight connectivity.

Starting in Q3 of 2026, the airline will begin equipping its Boeing 787s, Airbus A350s, and A330neos with high-speed Wi-Fi, according to a press release issued Tuesday (July 8)

The rollout is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

Starlink will enable travellers to enjoy elevated entertainment, including downloading and streaming TV shows and movies, catching up on work, watching live sports games, from multiple devices simultaneously, including smartphones, laptops and tablets. 

“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,” said Siobhan Fitzpatrick, chief experience officer at Virgin Atlantic, in a press release. 

Vision for premium experience

Virgin Atlantic also unveiled its vision for premium flying on Tuesday.

The airline said its Boeing 787-9 fleet will undergo complete cabin refurbishment, introducing additional premium seating from 2028, with design inspired by the A330neo 

Starting Q3 2026, the next ten A330neo aircraft will join the fleet with increased premium seating; six Retreat Suites, 48 Upper Class, and 56 Premium seats.

As well, following the launch of the LAX Clubhouse, the airline will invest in Clubhouses at its top U.S. gateway, New York JFK, and the airline’s hub at London Heathrow.

A new app, focused on Flying Club with improved personalization, will launch later this year.

READ MORE: "Canada, we’ve missed you!” Sir Richard Branson launches Virgin Atlantic at YYZ

Virgin is also the first European airline to partner with OpenAI, integrating real-time voice and emotionally intelligent AI concierge services

Its Flying Club will also roll out a programme acknowledging multi-year loyalty for guests who do not travel often enough to achieve tier status progression

"In the last four decades, we’ve evolved from a challenger to a leader and a premium, long-haul flag carrier,” stated Shai Weiss, CEO, Virgin Atlantic. “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 seats 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.”

Virgin Atlantic in Canada

Virgin Atlantic returned to Canada in March with new non-stop service between London Heathrow and Toronto Pearson.

The restored link to Canada arrived more than ten years after Virgin Atlantic stopped flying to Vancouver in 2014.

READ MORE: “Something different”: Virgin Atlantic reveals its plans for Canada

The new flight also offers connections within Canada as part of an expanded codeshare partnership with WestJet.

Operating on a Boeing 787-9, the daily service is expected to carry over 165,000 customers annually, while also offering up to 20 tonnes of cargo capacity for high-tech goods and e-commerce.

Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Atlantic’s president and founder, participated in a ceremonial flight arrival and press conference at Toronto Pearson airport last April.

Click here to read PAX’s coverage from that exciting event.

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