Virgin Atlantic has unveiled a number of groundbreaking new changes set to enhance the in-flight experience, announcing that it will become the UK’s first airline to offer free, unlimited, ‘streaming-quality’ Wi-Fi across its entire fleet.
The service, powered by SpaceX‘s Starlink satellite technology, will begin rolling out across the airline’s Boeing 787s, Airbus A350s, and A330neos starting 2026, with completion expected by the end of 2027.
This marks a significant milestone for the airline, which first introduced fleet-wide Wi-Fi across the Atlantic in 2017.
The new system promises ‘low-latency, global connectivity,’ meaning passengers can enjoy video streaming, work seamlessly, and stay connected from gate to gate – all at no additional cost for members of Virgin’s free-to-join Flying Club.
Following a $17 billion fleet modernisation, Virgin Atlantic will also operate a fuel-efficient fleet of 45 next-generation aircraft by 2028, with an average age of just under seven years.
This includes 19 Airbus A330-900neos, 12 A350-1000s, and 14 Boeing 787-9s.
The airline will increase premium seat availability across its fleet, as ten new A330neos are set to join the lineup with enhanced Upper Class offerings.
This will include six Retreat Suites per aircraft – Virgin’s most luxurious suite yet, first launched in 2022 – as well as 48 Upper Class seats and 56 Premium seats.
Virgin Atlantic has unveiled a number of groundbreaking new changes set to enhance the in-flight experience, announcing that it will become the UK’s first airline to offer free, unlimited, ‘streaming-quality’ Wi-Fi
Each Retreat Suite features a 6ft 7in lie-flat bed, 27-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, wireless charging, and an ottoman for socialising or working with up to four guests.
The Boeing 787-9 cabins will also undergo a full refurbishment and introduce additional premium seating from 2028, inspired by the A330neo design.
Virgin Atlantic is also set to launch a new app in December 2025: The World of Virgin Atlantic in Your Pocket.
With personalisation at its heart, the app will allow guests to book flights and holidays, navigate their travel journey with real-time, tailored notification, and access advanced voice assistance in partnership with OpenAI and Tomoro.ai.
As the first European airline to integrate OpenAI’s voice mode using the Realtime API, passengers will enjoy hands-free, multilingual concierge support, helping with everything from airport navigation to destination planning.
In March 2025, it announced a UK-first partnership with Joby Aviation, which hopes to pave the way for zero-emission electric air taxi services.
Once regulatory approvals are obtained, Virgin Atlantic aims to offer fast, short-haul connections between UK cities and airport hubs before the end of the decade.
Onboard, there will be an ongoing focus on wellness through a new partnership with luxury skincare brand Votary.
The new system promises ‘low-latency, global connectivity,’ meaning passengers can enjoy video streaming, work seamlessly, and stay connected from gate to gate
Beginning in early 2026, Virgin’s Upper Class amenity kits will include face creams, mists, balms, and hand creams that are sustainably designed and gentle on skin.
Following the recent debut of its new Los Angeles Clubhouse, Virgin will also invest in refurbishing its iconic London Heathrow and New York JFK Clubhouses, bringing a fresh, comfort-first design to two of its flagship lounges.
The airline will soon launch a new Flying Club initiative that recognises multi-year loyalty, even for those who don’t travel frequently enough to qualify for traditional tier status.
Shai Weiss, CEO, Virgin Atlantic, said: ‘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 cabins and a full retrofit of the 787 fleet; alongside a new app featuring the world of Virgin Atlantic in your pocket. The best is yet to come.’
Siobhan Fitzpatrick, CXO, Virgin Atlantic, added: ‘Our announcements today provide a snapshot into the future of how we care, serve, and delight every single one of our guests.
‘Every new product, partnership and platform unveiled has been shaped by guest insight and fuelled by our people’s ingenuity.
‘We understand who our guests are and everything we do begins with them, as we use our insights to create thoughtful experiences that feel brilliantly different at every opportunity.
Following a $17 billion fleet modernisation, Virgin Atlantic will also operate a fuel-efficient fleet of 45 next-generation aircraft by 2028, with an average age of just under seven years
The news comes after a flight attendant has revealed there’s a key reason why passengers need to have the blind open during takeoff and landing.
Posting on the @backpacking Instagram account, flight attendant @kiravokrugmira reveals that it’s all to do with safety.
The cabin crew member says: ‘Why do cabin crew ask to open window blinds for takeoff and landing?
‘For safety reasons. It allows us to evaluate outside conditions as fast as possible in case of emergency situations.’
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