Virgin Atlantic Unveils Vision for Premium Guest Experience

UK airline Virgin Atlantic is continuing its 40+ year evolution from a start-up challenging legacy carriers to a premium, long-haul flag carrier.

The carrier has announced a bold plan that includes a multi-billion dollar investment that will create the youngest fleet to fly across the Atlantic.

“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,” said CEO Shai Weiss. 

Here are some highlights of the airline’s upcoming evolution:

• Virgin Atlantic will be the first UK airline to introduce free, streaming-quality, unlimited Wi-Fi throughout its fleet, using U.S.-based Starlink technology, with rollout completing in 2027.
• Its Boeing 787-9 fleet will undergo complete cabin refurbishment, introducing additional premium seating from 2028, with design inspired by the A330neo.
• Starting Q3 2026, the next ten A330neo aircraft will join the fleet with increased premium seating; six Retreat Suites, 48 Upper Class, and 56 Premium seats.

Following the completion of its $17 billion fleet transformation, by 2028, Virgin Atlantic will operate a mixed fleet of 45 100% next-generation fuel-efficient aircraft, including 19 A330-900s, 12 A350-1000s, and 14 787-9s, with an average age of just under seven years. Due to high demand for premium cabins, the premium seat count will be increased throughout its fleet.

As well, a new app — dubbed the World of Virgin Atlantic in Your Pocket, will launch in December of this year. Guests will be able to search and book flights and holidays directly through the app, be guided through their journeys with a new suite of notifications, taking advantage of native iOS and Android features that put relevant and time-sensitive journey information at their fingertips.

Reflecting the airline’s cheeky corporate personality, Virgin Atlantic recently launched ten signature food and beverage creations, dubbed ‘The Signature Ten.’ These include the Clubhouse Burger, The Red Head cocktail, Mile High Tea, plus the recently launched Virgin Atlantic Bloody Mary and Cherry Pie in the Sky Ice-cream.

“Our announcements today provide a snapshot into the future of how we care, serve, and delight every single one of our guests,” said Siobhan Fitzpatrick, CXO.“Every new product, partnership and platform unveiled has been shaped by guest insight and fuelled by our people’s ingenuity. We understand who our guests are and everything we do begins with them, as we use our insights to create thoughtful experiences that feel brilliantly different at every opportunity.”