Virgin Atlantic becomes first UK airline to announce free inflight Wi-Fi

The installation to be completed by 2027 year-end

British airline Virgin Atlantic is set to roll out free streaming-quality Wi-Fi on its Boeing 787s, Airbus A350s, and A330neos from the end of 2026, with the full installation to be complete by the end of 2027.

The move sees the airline become the first in the UK to offer the service to its passengers.

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. The fastest Wi-Fi in the skies will be offered entirely free of charge for Flying Club members, creating a digitally connected cabin across its entire fleet.

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. 

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 utilise multiple devices simultaneously including smartphones, laptops and tablets.

Siobhan Fitzpatrick, Chief Experience Officer, Virgin Atlantic, commented: “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. 

“Together with Starlink, we are delighted to provide our guests with the best connectivity in the skies, further elevating our onboard experience.