Virgin Atlantic will launch its Starlink inflight Internet service from next month. The carrier expects its first A350 to be fitted and in service in May 2026.
While a specific date has not yet been named, the carrier confirmed in a press release that the service will debut on VS153 from London to JFK in “early May.”
The A350 fleet will be first to complete its installation, with an “early summer” target. The 787 fleet will follow, with a dozen expected to be converted by the end of 2026. The full 787 fleet will complete in 2027.
Virgin Atlantic’s A330neo aircraft will be the last to see the system installed, starting in 2027 and wrapping later in the year.
The release states that this timeline is an acceleration of the deployment program. That may be true, but it also seems to align with the original deployment timeline from the selection announcement. Indeed, the timing and content of the release is interesting.
Virgin points out it was the first UK carrier to announce its intention to fit the fleet with Starlink. British Airways also announced a rollout plan as part of the IAG deal. And BA beat Virgin to getting its first plane activated. Indeed, BA’s second fitted 787-8 (G-ZBJK) returned to service around the time Virgin issued the statement.
Regardless of the reasoning, the schedule detail update is good news and gives travelers better insight into the likely service on upcoming trips.
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