Virgin Atlantic took connectivity to new heights with a special live performance from the iconic girl group Sugababes. Live from 35,000ft, the moment was streamed in real time via Virgin Atlantic’s Instagram to audiences around the world using Starlink Wi-Fi.
Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhán Donaghy performed a selection of their iconic, fan-favourite tracks alongside an exclusive onboard Q+A, with fans able to submit requests in real-time via the livestream. The gig took place in the Upper Class social space, The Loft, on Virgin Atlantic’s A350 aircraft and streamed globally via Starlink.
For one night only, the cabin was transformed into a stage above the clouds – connecting music, technology and audiences worldwide in a unique inflight performance.
With thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit, Starlink can deliver multi-gigabit connectivity to aircraft using its Aero Terminal, which can support up to 1 Gbps per antenna.
Virgin says the new Wi-Fi will transform the experience for passengers enabling them to stream, browse, shop, game, work, take brief audio calls and message seamlessly across multiple devices, whether travelling in Virgin Atlantic’s Economy, Premium or Upper Class cabin.
Virgin Atlantic is now rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet, beginning with the Airbus A350s, with the programme extending across the Boeing 787 and Airbus A330neo aircraft, as installation progresses. The airline plans to deliver full fleet connectivity in 2027.
Juha Jaervinen, Chief Customer Officer, Virgin Atlantic, commented: “This isn’t just about introducing Wi-Fi, it’s about showing what it can do. By livestreaming a performance from 35,000ft, we’re demonstrating the power of Starlink to deliver a seamless, high-quality connection in the air, just as our customers expect on the ground.
“Sugababes are an iconic part of British culture, bringing generations together through their music, so they’re the perfect partners for a moment like this, connecting people in the air and on the ground in real time. As we roll out Starlink Wi-Fi across our fleet, this is just the beginning of a more connected, more flexible onboard experience.”
The Sugababes said: “We always said the sky was the limit – turns out, it’s just the beginning! Taking live music to the skies and turning an airplane into a global stage is unlike anything we’ve ever done. The idea that fans around the world can experience it with us in real time makes it even more surreal.”
