Virgin Atlantic adds free Wi-Fi; announces premium upgrades to fleet

Virgin Atlantic will be the first UK airline to introduce free, streaming-quality, unlimited Wi-Fi throughout its fleet, using U.S.-based Starlink technology, with rollout completing in 2027.

Free, streaming-quality Wi-Fi will be available across its fleet, with unlimited usage for every guest that signs up to Flying Club.

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 installation across the airline’s entire fleet of Airbus A330neos, A350s and Boeing 787s will begin in Q3 2026 and be completed by the end of 2027.

Complete cabin refurbishment

In addition to the Wi-Fi rollout, the airline’s 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 10 A330neo aircraft will join the fleet with increased premium seating; six Retreat Suites, 48 Upper Class, and 56 Premium seats.

Following the successful launch of the LAX Clubhouse, the airline will invest in Clubhouses at top US gateway, New York JFK, and the airline’s hub at London Heathrow.

Upgrades to the Flying Club

A new app, focused on Flying Club with improved personalization, will launch later this year – the World of Virgin Atlantic in Your Pocket.

Virgin Atlantic is the first European airline to partner with OpenAI, integrating real-time voice and emotionally intelligent AI concierge services. Guests will be able to search and book Flights and Holidays directly through the app, be guided seamlessly through their journeys with a rich new suite of notifications, taking advantage of native iOS and Android features that put relevant and time-sensitive journey information at their fingertips, starting December 2025.

The Flying Club will also roll out a program 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,” said Shai Weiss, CEO Virgin Atlantic. “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.”