Virgin Atlantic Upgrades Boeing 787s

Virgin Atlantic has selected Boeing to help take its fleet of 787 Dreamliners to the next level with a new agreement.

The U.K. carrier will allow Boeing to implement key modifications to its 787 fleet, involving enhancements to onboard internet connectivity.

High-speed, streaming-quality WiFi will be available to passengers as part of the new agreement announced at MRO Europe on October 15, 2025.

Bringing Starlink’s next-generation connectivity to the 787 fleet is what Virgin Atlantic says is the next logical step in creating an unforgettable experience for every customer.

Virgin Atlantic recognises the growing importance of staying connected when in the skies, and with that, offering low-latency, super high-speed WiFi is what customers can expect across their long-haul services.

Additionally, the U.K. carrier highlights how this connectivity will be even more seamless for some passengers, surpassing what they experience on the ground, and hopes that the investment will lead to higher customer satisfaction levels in the future.

Virgin Atlantic has been flying the 787 Dreamliner for some time; the aircraft represents the first model that marked a new era for the carrier and began its transition towards next-generation aircraft.

The airline has 17 Boeing 787s to its name, which average an age of 9.6 years, according to fleet data as of October 13, 2025, with one aircraft currently on the ground.

The Virgin Atlantic 787 Changes

The modifications set to take place will see Boeing install a new antenna, designed to accommodate Electronically Steered Phased Array (ESA) antennas.

Thanks to the ESA, the fairing, known as the Boeing Aerodynamic Shroud, enables the support of Low Earth Orbit and Multi-Orbit connectivity opportunities for the company on its 787 fleet.

Boeing describes this move as part of a rapid advancement in overall satellite and antenna technology, and the planemaker is proud to be providing this technology to customers such as Virgin Atlantic.