Virgin Atlantic adds live sport to in-flight experience

Virgin Atlantic passengers will soon be able to stream live sport while cruising at 35,000 feet in the air, thanks to a new upgrade.

The airline has partnered with broadcaster Sport 24 to launch the service on flights equipped with Elon Musk’s Starlink wi-fi.

The partnership means passengers will be able to watch major sporting events live, including the FIFA World Cup 2026, on their own devices.

Virgin Atlantic adds live sport to in-flight experience

Juha Jaervine, chief customer officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: “Whether you are travelling for business, heading off on holiday or flying home, nobody likes missing a big sporting moment.

“With Sport 24 available on our growing Starlink-enabled fleet, customers can be part of the action from start to finish.

“This is another way we’re taking connectivity to new heights.”

The service will be available on aircraft, both on the ground and in the air.

Passengers will simply need to sign up for a free Virgin Atlantic Flying Club membership to access the live coverage.

More than 6,000 hours of live sport will be available through the Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra channels.

Sport 24 is owned, operated and licensed by the sports marketing agency IMG and claims to be the first live sports channel created for airline and cruise passengers.

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Currently, Starlink wi-fi is available on one-third of Virgin Atlantic’s fleet, with full rollout planned by the end of 2027.

Richard Wise, senior vice president of content and channels at IMG, said: “Sports fans want to stay close to the action wherever they are and travel shouldn’t mean missing out.

“Sport 24 is the market-leading live sport partner in the air and at sea with an unmatched portfolio of live sport, including the FIFA World Cup 26.”

Would you like to watch live sport on flights? Let us know in the comments.