Virgin Atlantic selects Boeing to enable streaming-quality high-speed WiFi for its 787 fleet | News

Boeing and Virgin Atlantic have agreed to make connectivity changes to Virgin Atlantic’s fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The upgrades will improve onboard internet service and provide passengers with fast, streaming quality Wi-Fi.

“Working 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,” said Corneel Koster, Chief Customer and Operating Officer, Virgin Atlantic. “Together we are transforming the way our customers stay connected in the air – with low latency and super-fast Wi-Fi, better than what most customers experience on the ground, to make flying Virgin Atlantic even more fun.”

As part of the modifications, Boeing will install a new antenna fairing designed for electronically steered phased array (ESA) antennas. Together with an ESA, the fairing, called the Boeing Aerodynamic Shroud, supports Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and multi-orbit connectivity.

“We are witnessing rapid developments in satellite and antenna technology, and we are proud to provide our OEM-backed technical expertise and hardware that will enable Virgin Atlantic to provide faster, more reliable connectivity to their 787 Dreamliner fleet,” said Doug Backhus, vice president of Cabin, Modifications and Maintenance for Boeing Global Services.