Wi-Fly update! Virgin Atlantic accelerates Starlink rollout for take-off
• A350 aircraft leads the rollout, with A350 completion by early summer
• Boeing 787 aircraft set to join Starlink rollout in second half of 2026, with fleet connectivity expected to reach two- thirds by end of 2026
• Airbus A330neo installations are anticipated to complete in 2027
LONDON, 12 APRIL 2026: Virgin Atlantic has announced an accelerated rollout of Starlink, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky, as the airline gears up to introduce free, high-speed WiFi across its entire fleet, helping customers bring their world onboard from take-off to landing.
Virgin Atlantic will begin introducing Starlink connectivity onboard its Airbus A350 fleet from May, with all A350s to be connected by early summer. The first customer flight is slated for early May on the VS153 from London Heathrow to New York, JFK. The programme will then extend across the Boeing 787 and Airbus A330neo fleets as installation progresses, with connectivity expected to reach full fleet coverage anticipated in 2027.
First announced in July 2025, Virgin Atlantic became the first UK airline to commit to free, fleet-wide Starlink Wi-Fi connectivity. By leveraging the world's most advanced satellite constellation in low Earth orbit, Starlink offers high-speed, low-latency internet access around the world, including the most isolated areas. This makes for a reliable, fast, and secure user experience. Starlink, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky will be offered entirely free of charge for Flying Club members, creating a digitally connected cabin, across its modern fleet.
The new service aims to create a ‘home away from home’ Wi-Fi experience in the sky, 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. 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, connecting with friends and family and even making brief audio calls, while keeping the cabin comfortable and relaxed for everyone. Customers will be able to utilise multiple devices simultaneously including smartphones, laptops and tablets, keeping messages moving, plans in play and everything, and everyone, that matters close.
Juha Jaervinen, Chief Customer Officer, Virgin Atlantic, commented;
“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.”
ENDS
For further information please visit www.virginatlantic.com. For further press information please email press.office@fly.virgin.com
About Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984, with innovation and amazing customer service at its core. In 2025, the airline was voted Britain’s only Global Five Star Airline by APEX for the ninth year running in the Official Airline Ratings. Headquartered in London, it employs 9,250 people worldwide, flying customers to 28 destinations throughout the year.
Alongside shareholder and partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic operates a leading transatlantic network, with onward connections to over 200 cities around the world. In 2020, Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic launched an expanded Joint Venture, offering a comprehensive route network, convenient flight schedules, competitive fares and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem miles across all carriers. Virgin Atlantic joined SkyTeam in 2023, as the global airline alliance’s first and only UK member airline, enhancing SkyTeam’s transatlantic network to and from London Heathrow and Manchester.
Virgin Atlantic has been pioneering sustainability leadership for more than 15 years, committing to Net Zero by 2050 and continuous action that reduces environmental impact. The airline operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the skies, with an average age of 6.9yrs. In 2022, Virgin Atlantic welcomed its first A330-900’s to the fleet, continuing its transformation towards 100% next generation aircraft by 2028. For more information visit www.virginatlantic.com or via Facebook, X and Instagram @virginatlantic.