Enhanced connectivity and comfort for business travel with Virgin Atlantic

8 Jul

Written By Cat

Virgin Atlantic is set to transform business travel by becoming the first UK airline to offer free, streaming-quality, unlimited Wi-Fi across its entire fleet using Starlink technology by 2027, alongside a major cabin refurbishment of its Boeing 787-9 fleet starting in 2028 and the introduction of ten A330neo aircraft with expanded premium cabins from Q3 2026.

This development is particularly significant for Global Travel Management’s UK-based business travellers, as the enhanced connectivity and upgraded premium cabins will provide seamless communication and greater comfort, enabling professionals to stay productive and relaxed during long-haul flights.

From Q3 2026, Virgin Atlantic will begin integrating Starlink’s high-speed Wi-Fi across its Airbus A330neos, A350s, and Boeing 787s, with completion by the end of 2027. This service, free for all Flying Club members, will deliver a ‘home away from home’ experience, allowing business travellers to stream, work, or connect effortlessly at 38,000 feet. The airline’s Boeing 787-9 fleet will undergo a complete cabin redesign from 2028, inspired by the award-winning A330neo, increasing Upper Class seats to 44 and Premium seats to 56, while introducing eight luxurious Retreat Suites.

Similarly, ten new A330neo aircraft, arriving from Q3 2026, will feature six Retreat Suites, 48 Upper Class, and 56 Premium seats, catering to the growing demand for premium travel experiences.

Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said,

“In the last four decades, we’ve evolved from a challenger to a leader and a premium, long-haul flag carrier. We exist to make our customers smile, it’s that simple – obsessing over finding new ways to delight our guests, delivered by our amazing people, on our journey to become the most loved travel company.”

For business travellers, these enhancements mean greater flexibility and productivity. Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented,

“Virgin Atlantic’s investment in free, high-speed Wi-Fi and expanded premium cabins is a game-changer for UK-based business travellers, ensuring they can stay connected with colleagues and clients while enjoying a more comfortable and tailored in-flight experience.”

Siobhan Fitzpatrick, CXO of Virgin Atlantic, said,

“Our announcements today provide a snapshot into the future of how we care, serve, and delight every single one of our guests. Every new product, partnership and platform unveiled has been shaped by guest insight and fuelled by our people’s ingenuity.”

The airline is also enhancing its hospitality offerings, with multi-million-pound refurbishments planned for its iconic Clubhouses at London Heathrow and New York JFK, following the successful launch of the LAX Clubhouse in March 2025.

A new partnership with Votary will introduce luxurious skincare products in Upper Class amenity kits from early 2026, while ten signature food and beverage items, such as The Clubhouse Burger and Virgin Atlantic Bloody Mary, will elevate the onboard experience. Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club will also introduce a programme to reward multi-year loyalty for less frequent travellers, building on innovations like non-expiring points and unlimited reward seat availability.

By 2028, the airline’s $17 billion fleet transformation will result in 45 next-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft, with an average age of under seven years, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and guest experience.

Virgin Atlantic, founded in 1984, has grown from a challenger to a leading premium long-haul airline, serving destinations across the USA, Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Australia from its London Heathrow and Manchester hubs. This comprehensive upgrade underscores its mission to deliver personalised, delightful travel experiences for business travellers.