Virgin signs up to Starlink IFC
Virgin Atlantic to become first U.K. airline customer of Starlink
Virgin Atlantic is set to become the first U.K. airline customer of Starlink Aviation’s inflight connectivity service.
The airline will begin installations on its fleet of 787s, A350s and A330neos from Q3 2026, with the installation expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Boeing will be responsible for the 787 modifications, which will include installing a new antenna fairing designed to accommodate Electronically Steered Phased Array (ESA) antennas. Together with an ESA, the fairing, called the Boeing Aerodynamic Shroud, supports Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and multi-orbit connectivity.
Speaking during MRO Europe on October 15, Doug Backhus, Vice President of Cabin, Modifications and Maintenance for Boeing Global Services, said, "We are witnessing rapid advances in satellite and antenna technology, and we're proud to provide our OEM-backed engineering expertise and hardware that will enable Virgin Atlantic to bring faster, more reliable connectivity to their 787 Dreamliner fleet."
"Partnering with Boeing to bring Starlink's next-generation connectivity to our 787 fleet is another important step in creating a 'home away from home' experience for every customer," said Corneel Koster, Chief Customer and Operating Officer, Virgin Atlantic. "Together, we are transforming how our customers stay connected in the skies - with low latency, super high-speed Wi-Fi, better than what most customers experience on the ground to make flying on Virgin Atlantic even more of a joy."
Passengers flying with the airline currently have to pay for connectivity access, however following the activation of the Starlink service, Flying Club members will receive complimentary access. Streaming will also be enabled on A330-300 and A350-1000 which has hitherto been unenabled.
In 2022, Virgin Atlantic selected Viasat’s IFC solution for its new A330-900 aircraft.
