Virgin Atlantic to Launch Starlink Satellite Internet in May 2026

The service will launch as early as May

British airline Virgin Atlantic has brought forward its plans to equip its aircraft with Starlink satellite internet.

The airline had originally intended to install Starlink during the third quarter of this year. Under the revised timetable, however, the first Virgin Atlantic aircraft will receive Starlink as early as May 2026.

Virgin Atlantic Starlink rollout begins with Airbus A350-1000

Virgin Atlantic says the first aircraft fitted with Starlink will be an Airbus A350-1000. The first flight using the system will operate between London Heathrow Airport and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Installing Starlink takes considerably less time than fitting other in-flight internet systems, meaning the rollout across further aircraft should be relatively swift.

Free high-speed Wi-Fi across the fleet

Virgin Atlantic is a British long-haul airline headquartered in Crawley, United Kingdom. Founded by Sir Richard Branson in 1984, it positions itself as a premium carrier focused on service and innovation.

The airline will become the first UK carrier to provide complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout its entire fleet.