UK-based Virgin Atlantic has taken a groundbreaking step in the aviation sector in terms of digitalisation and passenger comfort. The company, through its new partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet network, is preparing to offer free and high-speed internet service on board starting from the third quarter of 2026.
This innovation positions Virgin Atlantic as the first British airline to offer ‘jet-speed internet.’ Passengers will not only stay connected throughout the flight thanks to low-latency and uninterrupted connection, but they will also be able to continue their entertainment, work, and social media experiences without interruption.
CEO Shai Weiss: “This is a Milestone in Digital Transformation”
Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss described the Starlink partnership as an important development for the company’s digital transformation vision. Weiss stated, “As we renew our fleet, we are increasing our premium seat capacity and investing in technologies that will take the customer experience to the next level. The in-flight internet service we will implement with Starlink will raise industry standards.”
Unlimited Connection in the Sky with Starlink
Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellite technology offers significantly lower latency and wider coverage for aircraft compared to traditional internet systems. This means an uninterrupted internet experience, especially on long-haul flights.
Virgin Atlantic’s innovative move stands out as part of a global transformation that includes other major airlines such as Qatar Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, and AirBaltic. In-flight Wi-Fi is expected to no longer be a luxury but to become a standard.
