A UK airline first
- 16 July 2025
- Blog
- Virgin Atlantic Flightstore
Born to be different
Since 1984, Virgin Atlantic has evolved from a challenger to a leading premium long-haul airline. The company continues to enhance its personalised guest experience across travel, hospitality, and entertainment, driven by its standout crews, as it aims to be the most loved travel company.
Next-gen Wi-Fi
Virgin Atlantic will be the first UK airline to introduce Starlink in-flight connectivity, beginning installations on its Boeing 787s, Airbus A350s, and A330neos in Q3 2026, with completion expected by the end of 2027.
Powered by the world’s most advanced low Earth orbit satellite network, Starlink delivers high-speed, low-latency internet globally—even in remote areas. This ensures fast, reliable, and secure connectivity across the fleet.
Passengers will enjoy free, streaming-quality Wi-Fi, creating a fully connected cabin experience. From the moment they board, they'll be able to browse, stream, game, shop, work, watch live sports, and stay in touch—on multiple devices—just as they would at home.
A Premium experience – from terminal to touchdown
By 2028, Virgin Atlantic will complete its $17 billion fleet upgrade, operating 45 next-gen, fuel-efficient aircraft—19 A330-900s, 12 A350-1000s, and 14 787-9s—with an average age under seven years. Premium seat capacity will also increase across the fleet.
- 787-9 Refresh (2028–2030): All 787-9s will get new cabins inspired by the A330neo. Upper Class expands to 44 seats, Premium to 56, and Economy reduces to 127. The Retreat Suite debuts on this model, with eight per aircraft.
- A330neo Upgrades (from Q3 2026): Ten A330neos will feature 48 Upper Class, 56 Premium, and 128 Economy seats, plus six Retreat Suites—Virgin’s most spacious, tech-enhanced seat for work, dining, or relaxing with others.
- Flying Club Updates: Soon, Flying Club will recognise multi-year loyalty, even if your clients don’t fly often enough to progress tiers.
Entertainment
- Virgin Atlantic in Your Pocket: Launching in December 2025, Virgin Atlantic’s new app simplifies travel by combining flight and holiday bookings in one smart, intuitive platform. Built for Flying Club members but open to all, it offers real-time updates, mobile booking, and a seamless experience from booking to boarding.
- Virtual Concierge: In partnership with OpenAI and Tomoro.ai, Virgin Atlantic becomes the first European airline to offer advanced voice assistance via the app. The AI concierge provides hands-free, multilingual support—helping with bookings, airport navigation, and travel tips.
- Joby Air Taxi Partnership: Announced in March, Virgin Atlantic’s exclusive UK partnership with Joby will bring fast, zero-emission air taxi services connecting UK cities and airports. The launch is expected by the decade’s end, pending regulatory approval.
Hospitality Enhancements
- Clubhouse Upgrades: Following the new Los Angeles Clubhouse launch in March, Virgin Atlantic is investing in major refurbishments of its Heathrow and JFK Clubhouses to elevate comfort and style.
- Signature Ten: Virgin Atlantic has unveiled ten unique food and drink creations, including the Clubhouse Burger, Red Head cocktail, Mile High Tea, and Cherry Pie in the Sky ice cream.
- Votary Partnership: Starting early next year, Upper Class amenity kits will feature luxury skincare from Votary, offering sustainable, high-quality products like face creams, mists, and balms.
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