Virgin

Virgin Island cast hit back after Channel 4 show branded ‘exploitative’

The cast and sex experts of Virgin Island spoke at the BAFTA TV Awards after the Channel 4 show was hit with criticism

The Virgin Island cast made a huge splash when the series first aired last year and instantly became a watercooler TV show, with many left questioning whether it was groundbreaking or exploitative.

The premise of the Channel 4 programme followed 12 adult virgins as they explored intimacy in a pressure-free environment, surrounded by experts helping to guide them towards breaking down barriers.

It led to emotional breakthroughs for the brave contestants, and sparked conversations across the UK, resulting in a BAFTA TV nomination in the reality category – which was eventually won by the Celebrity Traitors.

Speaking to the Mirror and other press on the red carpet at the annual ceremony, the cast and experts took the opportunity to hit back at the critics. Addressing the backlash, sex and relationship coach Celeste Hirschman told us: “The proof is in the pudding! The transformations are unbelievable, and in the second season as well!

Dr Danielle Harel agreed: “Exactly! There’s a little bit of a discomfort to see the methods, but honestly, when people see how it helps, they’ll really fall into it, they’ll love it. They’ll really understand why it’s so important.”

Discussing the biggest change in the latest episodes, they revealed that “hundreds and hundreds” of people applied to take part for the second season.

“I think they were much more ready in season two, so they dove in the deep end right away. And we had a little more time, which was nice,” Celeste continued. “And we have play time! We have a BDSM specialist coming in for episode five, so watch out!”

Dr Danielle interjected: “I think people came in more ready for the show, so they were ready to move faster.”

The contestants themselves also couldn’t rave about the series enough. Emma was met with cheers when she shared: “Well, I lost my virginity, so that’s an update, I think!

“Ever since, I’ve been exploring more with intimacy and getting more comfortable with it. Finding out what I like and don’t like. I’ve built so much more confidence and I’ve opened up so many more doors! It’s incredible!

“The pros taught us how it was done, I’m a free woman now thanks to these girls! I didn’t realise that would happen on a two week retreat but these are experts, so they know what they’re doing!”

Emma revealed that she first became intimate “about six months after” filming, during a “self-love journey” in Australia.

“That’s when I started to meet people and try it a bit more. I took away a lot of skills these girls gave me and I did my own learning in my own time, and then I blossomed in the outside world.”

Jason Thompson, who was also a guest at the sex retreat, proudly flashed a bejewelled cherry pin on his suit as he added:“I’m still a virgin, cherry is still in tact. I love myself again, a whole other level of confidence, I’m just all-round happier. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”

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Who is Risdon Roberts? Virgin Island star’s life including acting past

The Channel 4 show’s newest surrogate partner therapist may look familiar to some viewers

Risdon Roberts it the newest addition to Virgin Island’s therapy team, but some fans may recognise her.

She is appearing on the Channel 4 show as a surrogate partner therapist, a professional who can offer two-way touch with the cast and even engage in full sex if deemed appropriate. She is the third so-called ‘sex surrogate’ on the show alongside Kat Slade, 35, and Andre Lazarus, 42.

In tonight’s episode (May 4) fans will get a glimpse at Risdon’s work with 25-year-old accountant Tegan, with the pair trying out directed gazing. This involves staring at different parts of the body in a bid to stir up feelings of desire.

As Risdon gets more screen time, fans may be curious about the star’s background and her path to appearing on the Channel 4 reality series. Here’s everything to know.

How old is Risdon Roberts?

Risdon is 42 years old and was born in Japan. She is same age as fellow surrogate partner therapist, Andre, who she already knew before the show.

She is usually based in Los Angeles where she works as a surrogate partner therapist and an intimacy expert, also advising for events, film and TV. Her specialism is working with people new to intimacy, experiencing sexual dysfunction or who are coming out later in life. She herself identifies as a queer woman.

Explaining she she signed up for Season 2, she shared: “I was very impressed with Kat [Slade] on the show and how the show supported her when the work with one of her clients shifted, as that is something that comes up a lot in Surrogate Partner Therapy.

“Seeing Kat’s incredible work on the first season really inspired me to want to participate. Andre and I have been friends and colleagues for years as well, so his positive experience during the first season was a major reason why I signed on.”

She added: “As a queer woman I also appreciated how there was so much room on the show for the cast to explore their divergent identities, attractions, and sexualities. I also really enjoyed the sex education elements of the show because those are some of my favourite parts of the work.”

Why does Risdon Roberts look familiar?

If fans recognise Risdon already, it’s likely due to her background in acting. She started her career in film and TV and trained as an intimacy coordinator before switching to her current career path.

Her first big acting role was in the online web series, Bite Me, in which she starred as a character called Lauren. The show centred around three gamers who try and survive a zombie outbreak using their gaming skills.

According to her IMDB page, her most recent TV work outside of Virgin Island is a 2017 TV mini series titled This Place Is Weird where she is credited as ‘Risdon’ as well as an appearance as ‘Lulu’ in 2023 comedy short, Surprise!

Virgin Island airs Monday and Tuesday nights at 9pm on Channel 4.

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Airline with the best food named – not British Airways, Virgin or Emirates

This European carrier serves regionally inspired dishes at 35,000ft

A Greek airline boasting a fleet of 83 aircraft has been named the top carrier for in-flight dining, beating major rivals including Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Qatar Airways, and British Airways. A study by Canstar Travel Insurance analysed passenger reviews and meals from the world’s top 100 airlines, concluding that Greek carrier AEGEAN serves up the finest food, earning an impressive score of 7.82 out of 10.

AEGEAN treats passengers to authentic Greek cuisine and regionally inspired dishes, while in business class, meals are lovingly prepared by acclaimed Greek chefs and sommeliers. The airline’s culinary philosophy is rooted in the concept of filema, which champions “love and kindness through food”. Other carriers delivering exceptional onboard dining include Qatar, Asiana Airlines and EVA Air.

On Tripadvisor, one traveller who recently flew with Aegean wrote: “Aegean Airlines is simply amazing! The level of service is very high, and it is incredibly easy to reach their call centre whenever you need help or extra information. On board, they offer food and drinks, and everything was delicious.”

A second passenger added: “I have used British, Virgin, easyJet, Ryanair… but no one is better, always on time and sometimes even earlier at the destination than Aegean Airlines.

“Although I’m Italian, I use it instead of Alitalia when I’m travelling to my country. Warm and delicious food and choices of wines and a particular menu for any kind of dietary or religious needs.”

Airlines with the best food

  1. AEGEAN Airlines
  2. Qatar Airways
  3. Asiana Airlines
  4. EVA Air
  5. Singapore Airlines
  6. Korean Air
  7. All Nippon Airways (ANA)
  8. Japan Airlines
  9. Kuwait Airways
  10. Garuda Indonesia

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‘Epic’ Netflix drama hailed ‘better than Virgin River’ gets thrilling update

A new hit Netflix series is returning for its second season just over a year after its stunning debut last year

The hit show has been called “cowboy Virgin River” by fans.

Netflix’s Ransom Canyon has officially announced a release date for its eagerly awaited second season, and fans won’t have to wait much longer.

The popular Western drama launched last April and brought viewers an epic family saga unfolding on a Texas ranch, with the powerful romance between Staten Kirkland (portrayed by Josh Duhamel) and Quinn O’Grady (Minka Kelly) taking centre stage.

The first season exposed the shocking truth surrounding the death of Staten’s son while the stoic rancher slowly grows closer to Quinn, his long-time family friend and proprietor of the local dancehall.

At the same time, charming and mysterious drifter Yancy (Jack Schumacher) arrives in town to reconnect with his long-lost grandfather and embarks on a romance of his own, only to unveil a startling secret in the jaw-dropping finale.

The programme has drawn favourable comparisons to Netflix’s other hit small-town romance, Virgin River, with some Redditors even declaring the new series is “so much better”, reports the Express.

Netflix Tudum has this week announced that the gripping drama will return on Thursday, 23rd July, with all eight episodes dropping.

Creator April Blair has disclosed that the much-anticipated follow-up will resume six months after Quinn’s decision to leave home to chase a dream job in New York.

“In that time, she didn’t speak to Staten at all,” actress Kelly disclosed. And Duhamel confirms: “He missed her. Staten has been masking that with his behaviour.

“So when he finds out Quinn is back, Staten realises that he’s made some mistakes, and he wants to make it right.”

Season two will also follow the blossoming teenage romance between high schoolers Lauren (Lizzy Greene) and Lucas (Garrett Wareing), while Yancy is likely in hot water with bartender Ellie (Marianly Tejada) following the arrival of a woman claiming to be his wife in the season finale.

“We’ve also built out the world even more this season,” showrunner Blair reveals. “Quinn’s mother, Claire – played by Patricia Clarkson, who’s an icon – comes to town, and she’s a little Postcards from the Edge meets The Notebook.

“What did she do to mess up? We find out there’s some secrets from the past.”

Alongside Clarkson, several fresh faces join the cast, including High Potential’s Steve Howey as Staten’s half-brother Levi, a rugged outdoorsman who lives off the land.

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This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows.

This includes the brand new UK drama Unchosen, starring Asa Butterfield and Christopher Eccleston.

Ben Robson (Vikings) and Heidi Engerman (Chicago Fire) have also signed on, with familiar faces returning including Casey W. Johnson, Tatanka Means, Justin Johnson Cortez, Kenny Miller, Philip Winchester, Jennifer Ens, Brett Cullen, Lauren Glazier, and Niko Guardado.

Netflix’s synopsis for season two states: “Season two begins six months after the events of the first season, with rancher Staten fighting to reclaim his legacy after being unseated as trustee of his family’s Double K Ranch.

“Meanwhile, musician Quinn must decide if her heart truly belongs in the small town she once tried to outrun or in the fast-paced world of New York City. Are the pair star-crossed lovers, or fated to be together? In Ransom Canyon, true love stories are messy, complicated, and always worth the wait.”

Ransom Canyon season 2 premieres Thursday, 23rd July on Netflix.

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Ryanair, easyJet, TUI, Jet2, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic

AS THE fuel crisis continues to put pressure on airlines, it can be hard to know what it means for your upcoming flight.

For some airlines, rising fuel costs are being offset by raising the price of flight fares such as Virgin Atlantic, with British Airways also recently warning of flight fare increases.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Yet there are also a number of airlines that have vowed not to increase costs for their passengers. Here’s a full rundown of the UK airlines that have not changed their prices:

Jet2

Currently, Jet2 has not increased the prices of its flights and holidays due to rising jet fuel costs, and both holidays and flights with the company remain unaffected.

A Jet2 spokesperson told Sun Travel: “We remain in continual dialogue with our fuel suppliers, as is standard practice.

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“Based on the conversations we have been having, we see no reason not to look forward to operating our scheduled programme of flights and holidays as normal.”

Jet2 boss Steve Heapy added: “Holidaymakers should have every right to book their hard-earned break in the sun, without worrying about being hit with additional costs, and they can have that complete assurance when they book a flight or holiday with Jet2.

“As a result of today’s announcement, customers booking with Jet2 know that they are locking in their price without additional cost surprises later and we strongly believe that is the right thing to do by them.”

EasyJet

EasyJet is not increasing flight prices, nor is the airline currently impacted by the fuel crisis.

A spokesperson told Sun Travel that passengers would not “suddenly face unexpected fees added to their bookings to cover fluctuating commodity costs”.

They added that there were “no plans to make any changes to our flying schedule”.

Easyjet airplane at Marrakech International Airport.
EasyJet has said that its passengers do not need to fear sudden unexpected fees Credit: Alamy

TUI

TUI holidays are not be increasing prices to cover fuel costs and are currently not impacted by the fuel crisis.

A TUI spokesperson told Sun Travel: “We’re closely monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on global aviation fuel supplies.

“At present, we’re not anticipating disruption to our flight schedules or holiday programmes from fuel shortages.”

Ryanair

Europe‘s biggest airline has not increased costs for passengers and has not cancelled any flights due to the fuel crisis yet.

This week, the airline’s CEO Michael O’Leary said that he was committed to not implementing price increases or adding fuel surcharges to flight fares.

However, O’Leary has previously warned that it could cancel flights in the future, saying: “We don’t expect any disruption until early May, but if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June, and we hope the war will finish sooner than that and the risk to supply will be eliminated.”

A Ryanair aircraft at an airport.
Ryanair is another budget airline that has not yet increased prices for travellers Credit: Splash

Kuoni

When it comes to holiday package firm Kuoni – which specialises in tailor-made packages – they confirmed to MoneySavingExpert that no ‘holiday surcharge’ will be added to bookings.

Loveholidays

Similarly, Loveholidays – which offers packages to sunshine destinations and city breaks – also confirmed to MoneySavingExpert that there would be no additional charges on bookings.



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Virgin Island star forced to look at her own ‘ugly’ vagina after admitting painful issue has stopped her from having sex

A VIRGIN Island star was tonight forced to look at her own “ugly” vagina after admitting to having a painful issue that has stopped her from ever having sex.

The wild Channel 4 reality show is back on the box, and the latest episode continued to shock.

Virgin Island star Joy tonight opened up about a painful condition she has that prevents her from having sex Credit: Channel 4
Joy was then told to look at vagina in a mirror Credit: Channel 4
Joy said she thought her intimate area was ‘ugly’ Credit: Channel 4

Virgin Island sees a group of people, who are yet to take the plunge into the world of nookie, get help from a team of sex gurus, headed up by Dr Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman.

On tonight’s episode, it was Joy‘s turn to face her sexual fears.

The 22-year-old event coordinator from Falmouth, suffers from vaginismus – a medical condition that causes the vaginal muscles to involuntarily tighten, which can make sex extremely painful or impossible.

However, Joy was seen heading off for a session with one of the resident sex experts, to try and help her overcome this painful issue.

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Viewers then watched as she was given a mirror by the expert and told to look at her vagina.

The sex guru assured her she was “beautiful” down there, but Joy was not convinced.

Referring to her intimate area, Joy said: “It’s weird because I feel like she looks ugly.”

Before going on Virgin Island, she revealed: “Despite having a Vaginismus diagnosis for years, I had only made minimal progress and was starting to lose hope of ever being healed.”

The new TV star also added that she also signed up to Virgin Island because she wanted to “overcome her religious shame around sex”.

Also on tonight’s show, fans saw shy Bertie, 24, be given a masterclass in sex positions by expert Celeste.

Joy previously revealed how she is weighed down by religious shame Credit: Channel 4 / Rob Parfitt

The event volunteer from Taunton, who suffers from low self-esteem and body confidence issues, was given his first taste of simulating sex by leading expert, Celeste.

The fully clothed pair were seen humping in various positions, in a bid to boost Bertie’s confidence.

At the end of the session a happy Bertie then turned to Celeste and said: “You are an absolute miracle worker! There is no way I’m leaving!”

Before going on the wild Channel 4 reality show, the shy star described himself as a “grade-A virgin” who had never kissed anyone before.

However, he previously admitted that he worried that “sex would feel overwhelming” and was scared of reaching middle age without experiencing intimacy.

Tonight’s episode of Virgin Island also saw Bertie take on a sex positions workshop Credit: Channel 4
Bertie was seen simulating sex on Celeste on tonight’s Virgin Island Credit: Channel 4

This season of Virgin Island sees the 12 participants take on turn-on classes, as well as kink exploration.

Speaking about the new series, expert Celeste said: “I feel like kinks are really really important because so many people have them.

“When I think of it, I think like sex is really play time. And kinks are one way that people play. And a lot of people like to play with power or sensation. 

“And all of that enhances the intensity and arousal and experience. 

“So we wanted people to have access to all these different kinds of feelings.”

Virgin Island continues tonight at 9pm on Channel 4

The show is headed up by sex experts Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman Credit: Handout

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Jet2, TUI, BA, Virgin Atlantic, Ryanair and easyJet

AIRLINES around the world have been forced to cancel flights due to the ongoing Iran war.

Thousands of holidaymakers have been affected by the conflict, which has seen the cost of jet fuel spiral due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

We spoke to all of the major UK airlines about the latest fuel crisis Credit: Alamy

Not only has this seen prices go up by the blocking of the world’s busiest trade route, but it has also sparked fears of shortages.

Foreign airlines including United, Cathay, Lufthansa and Scandinavian Airlines are just some that have said they are cancelling flights.

But nervous Brits will be wondering if their own holidays will be affected.

Airlines UK, which represents a number of carriers, including BA, Virgin, easyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair, are calling on the government for support to protect flights and holidays.

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This would include temporary use of fuel type Jet A (not currently allowed in the UK) as well as relaxing the strict airport slot rules that would see airlines lose them if they don’t operate flights.

Easing night flight bans and “relieving the burden of Air Passenger Duty” have also been put forward.

In the mean time, we’ve gone to all the top UK airlines and tour operators to get their latest update.

Jet2

Jet2 – the UK’s biggest tour operator – said that flights and holidays remain unaffected at the moment.

A Jet2 spokesperson told us: “We remain in continual dialogue with our fuel suppliers, as is standard practice.

“Based on the conversations we have been having, we see no reason not to look forward to operating our scheduled programme of flights and holidays as normal.

“We understand that our customers work and save very hard for their holidays, and we are looking forward to making sure that they enjoy their award-winning Jet2holidays.”

TUI

TUI holidays have not been affected or cancelled by the fuel crisis.

A TUI spokesperson told Sun Travel: “We’re closely monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on global aviation fuel supplies.

“At present, we’re not anticipating disruption to our flight schedules or holiday programmes from fuel shortages.”

TUI has not issued any warnings Credit: Alamy
Jet2 hasn’t cancelled any flights due to the fuel crisi Credit: PA

easyJet

EasyJet flights are not currently affected by the fuel crisis.

A spokesperson told Sun Travel that there was ” no disruption to flights” and “no plans to make any changes to our flying schedule”.

However, earlier this week, easyJet CEO for Spain and Portugal said that it was difficult to see” what would happen in a few weeks time.

Javier Gándara told local media: “If there are problems in other countries, that ends up affecting flights to Spain. No one will be immune to potential supply problems.”

Ryanair

The budget Irish airline has not cancelled flights caused by the fuel crisis.

However, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary previously warned that if it continues, flight cancellations were likely.

He said earlier this month: “We don’t expect any disruption until early May, but if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June, and we hope the war will finish sooner than that and the risk to supply will be eliminated.”

This is because the airline currently hedges (pays a set price) for 80 per cent of fuel, not but the remaining 20 per cent.

Sun Travel has contacted Ryanair for comment.

EasyJet has warned to expect higher flight costs Credit: Alamy
Ryanair has echoed this, and said cancellations are likely if the war continues Credit: Alamy

British Airways

British Airways has not cancelled any flights due to the jet fuel crisis.

The only current flight changes are due to the ongoing war affecting destination in the Middle East.

This includes a reduction in daily flights to Dubai (from three to one) as well as reductions across Doha and Riyadh. Flights to Jeddah are being permanently suspended from April 24.

A British Airways spokesperson told us: “Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, we have made further changes to our flying schedule to provide greater clarity for our customers.

“We’re keeping the situation under constant review and are directly in touch with affected customers to offer them a range of options.”

“We will continue to assess and introduce further flying where possible.”

Virgin Atlantic

When the war first broke out in Iran, Virgin Atlantic was also affected by the closure of airports in the Middle East, which saw some cancellations.

This also saw the ending of their London to Riyadh route just a year after launching.

However, the airline has confirmed that the flying programme is “up to date and operating as normal”.

They also added that they were in touch with suppliers and would monitor the situations but that there was “no immediate risk to supply on routes”.

None of the UK airlines have cancelled flights because of the fuel costs or shortages Credit: Getty

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TUI, BA, and Virgin Atlantic freebies passengers can get when travelling with kids

Stressing about your next flight with a child in-tow? These airlines offer extras to make the onboard experience a lot more fun and engaging for them, but many parents aren’t aware of these perks

Let’s face it, flying with kids is never easy, whether it’s an unsettled baby, an active toddler, or a bored teenager. But some airlines do offer a more pleasant onboard experience to start your family holiday.

Lots of airlines offer extra perks and freebies for those travelling with kids, even in economy class, although some parents may not be aware of them. Long-haul flights especially will often cater for the younger crowd with their own onboard entertainment, meals, or even amenity kits.

Here are some freebies you could pick up if you travel with your child this summer.

TUI

On TUI’s short-haul services there are a few perks for parents travelling with kids. Parents can check their car seat and pushchair into the hold for no extra charge, or bring it onboard if it’s under a certain size. Families flying with young kids also get priority boarding on their planes.

On longer haul services, passengers get complimentary food and drinks, and guests between the ages of two and 12 will be served a kids’ meal. Children also get free headsets so they can enjoy the kid-friendly entertainment available on their seatback, and each child gets an age-appropriate activity pack as they board, which includes lots of holiday-themed fun to help pass the time.

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British Airways (BA)

Kids flying on BA with their parents on flights over three hours can enjoy complimentary Skyflyers activity packs including their own eye mask and socks, crayons, and a postcard for them to send home. These packs are available at the Family and Club World check-in zones at Heathrow Terminal 5, Gatwick and London City if you ask a member of staff.

Onboard, children’s meals are available and can be ordered in advance with a choice of menu options. Kids’ snack boxes are also available to buy on shorter flights. Carrycots are provided free of charge for little ones who need a nap, and car seats and pushchairs can be checked in free for those bringing infants along.

For longer flights, kids can peruse the seatback entertainment on offer, which includes lots of kid-friendly shows and movies to help pass the time.

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic offers complimentary meals, snacks, and drinks on all classes across its services. If you’re travelling with a child, you can log into your booking up to 24-hours before departure and opt for a kids’ meal. These meals are perfectly portioned for younger passengers and come with a side of fruit and a sweet treat.

At the gate, kids get an amenity pack, regardless of which class they are in. These are in a distinctive red drawstring bag and usually feature a popping toy, colouring book, sunglasses, and some other little surprises.

READ MORE: Strict new hand luggage rule comes into force today affecting at least 580,000 BritsREAD MORE: Another major airline warns flights could soon be grounded because of fuel crisis

Emirates

Kids flying on Emirates enjoy a free amenity kit, and there are separate kits for 0-2 years, 3-6 years, and 7-12 years to ensure they are well-entertained on the plane. The kits come in bags emblazoned with colourful pictures from different Emirates destinations, and inside they contain cuddly toys, activities, and collectibles.

Even the youngest passengers get their own bag. Emirates baby and infant kits include handy items like baby wipes, cream, and a reusable changing mat, as well as a soft plush toy that can be attached to the seatback and a cosy blanket for nap time.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

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Virgin Atlantic makes major change for all passengers travelling from May 2026

Flying is about to feel very different for travellers with Virgin Atlantic thanks to a major change set to transform how passengers spend hours in the air

Passengers flying with Virgin Atlantic will start to notice a major change the moment they board. The airline has confirmed it will begin rolling out a new onboard service that promises to change the in-flight experience entirely.

Installation of Starlink will begin on its Airbus A350 aircraft from May 2026, Virgin Atlantic has announced. It says the new amenity will deliver high-speed, low-latency internet from take-off to the moment you land – but there’s a catch.

It will be available to passengers completely free of charge as part of their journey. This means they can scroll social media, stream TV shows or films, and even make calls or send messages while cruising at 30,000ft.

The first flight to feature the service is expected to depart in early May on route VS153 from London Heathrow to New York JFK. Virgin Atlantic says this marks the beginning of a wider rollout across its long-haul fleet.

All Airbus A350 aircraft are expected to be equipped by early summer, according to the airline. Installation will then expand to Boeing 787 planes later in 2026, reaching around two-thirds of the fleet by the end of the year.

The remaining Airbus A330neo aircraft are set to follow, with full fleet coverage expected by 2027. According to Starlink, its low-Earth-orbit satellite network is designed to deliver faster and more reliable internet, even over remote areas like oceans.

Unlike traditional in-flight Wi-Fi, which relies on older satellite systems, Starlink offers significantly lower latency and higher speeds. According to Ookla, low-Earth-orbit satellite technology can deliver speeds comparable to fixed broadband in some cases.

Virgin Atlantic first announced the partnership in July 2025, becoming the first UK airline to commit to free, fleet-wide Starlink connectivity. The airline says Flying Club members will be able to access the service at no extra cost.

Passengers will be able to stream TV shows, make video calls and browse the internet on multiple devices simultaneously. According to International Air Transport Association, demand for onboard connectivity has surged in recent years, with more travellers expecting seamless internet access in the air.

Juha Järvinen, Chief Customer Officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: “We were the first UK airline to announce free, fleet-wide Starlink Wi-Fi, and from May, we’re starting to deliver it for our customers.” He added that the airline aims to achieve full connectivity across its fleet by 2027.

He said the move is part of a wider push to create a “brilliantly connected experience” for passengers. The airline believes the upgrade will allow customers to use their flight time more flexibly, whether for work or leisure.

Industry experts say reliable Wi-Fi is becoming a standard expectation rather than a luxury. According to research from Inmarsat, a majority of airline passengers consider onboard internet a key factor when choosing flights.

Virgin Atlantic’s move is seen as a major step forward in meeting that demand. With rollout beginning in just weeks, passengers could soon experience a new era of fully connected air travel.

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