Boeing and Virgin Atlantic have agreed to implement connectivity modifications across Virgin Atlantic’s fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
The upgrades will enhance onboard internet service, bringing high-speed, streaming-quality Wi-Fi to passengers. The services agreement was announced at MRO Europe on Oct. 15.
Corneel Koster, Chief Customer and Operating Officer, Virgin Atlantic said: “Partnering 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.
“Together, we’re transforming how our customers stay connected in the skies – with low latency, super high speed Wi-Fi, better than what most customers experience on the ground to make flying on Virgin Atlantic even more of a joy.”
As part of the modifications, Boeing will install a new antenna fairing designed to accommodate 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.
Doug Backhus, vice president of Cabin, Modifications and Maintenance for Boeing Global Services said: “We’re witnessing rapid advances in satellite and antenna technology, and we’re proud to provide our OEM-backed engineering expertise and hardware that will enable Virgin Atlantic to bring faster, more reliable connectivity to their 787 Dreamliner fleet”.
