Virgin Atlantic. Photo: Courtesy of Virgin Atlantic Boeing and Virgin Atlantic bring faster, more reliable Wi-Fi to the skies through a new partnership aimed at upgrading Virgin’s fleet of 787 Dreamliners with brand-new connectivity systems that support high-speed, streaming-quality internet. The agreement was officially announced at MRO Europe on October 15.
On the same day, United Airlines celebrated its first flight to offer Starlink’s high-speed internet on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
With help from Starlink’s advanced satellite technology, passengers will enjoy easy access to Wi-Fi speeds comparable to what they would experience at home. For the airline founded in 1984 by Sir Richard Branson, this is yet another step aimed at making flying feel more comfortable and connected.
Corneel Koster, Chief Customer and Operating Officer at Virgin Atlantic: “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. Together, we're 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.”
As part of the agreement, Boeing will add a new antenna fairing called the Boeing Aerodynamic Shroud to each 787. The design supports the installation of Electronically Steered Phased Array antennas, which work with Low Earth Orbit satellites to provide faster and more stable connections.
Doug Backhus, vice president of Cabin, Modifications, and Maintenance for Boeing Global Services, said the project showcases the speed at which in-flight connectivity is evolving.
“We’re 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,” he said.
Virgin Atlantic has long focused on improving the passenger experience, and this step fits that vision. The company operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the sky and leads in sustainability, having recently completed the world’s first transatlantic flight powered entirely by sustainable aviation fuel.
By combining Boeing’s engineering capabilities with Virgin’s customer-first approach, the two companies are setting a new standard for in-flight connectivity. Soon, passengers will be able to stream, work, and stay connected seamlessly, even at 35,000 feet.