[SatNews] With a suite of new technologies onboard, the first Virgin Atlantic 787 Dreamliner will take to the skies on October 26th from London Heathrow to Boston.
As one of the most efficient aircraft in its class, a key to its performance is its new technology and innovative design. “The 787 is a revolutionary aircraft and new technology allows it to perform more efficiently than any other aircraft of its size,” said Director of Technology Dave Bulman. “We recognize that technology is an extremely important part of a customer’s journey, whether they are flying for business or pleasure, and this aircraft has given us a fantastic opportunity to look at what we can offer our customers onboard. We have been working really hard with our partners at Boeing and Panasonic to bring connectivity across all our cabins as well as updating our revolutionary touch screen inflight entertainment.”
Onboard connectivity
Virgin Atlantic has teamed up with Panasonic and T-Mobile to offer all customers eXConnect KU-Band wifi connectivity onboard its new 787 aircraft. Whether on a laptop, tablet or mobile phone, customers can connect their devices to the wireless onboard internet with just a few clicks and start surfing the web.
The cost of the Internet is £14.99 for the duration of the flight; however, customers can browse destination and aircraft information, Retail Therapy and further Virgin Atlantic services at no charge. With power now available to every seat throughout the 787, customers don’t need to worry about losing battery availability and can work or play throughout their journey.
Virgin Atlantic wants to entertain you…
The 787 Dreamliner sees Virgin Atlantic role out Vera Touch 2 in-flight entertainment system throughout all cabins, boasting more than 400 hours of carefully curated, on demand, award-winning entertainment.
The cutting-edge, next-generation eX3 system from Panasonic features a widescreen smart monitor at all seats with a capacitive touchscreen interface allowing passengers to access content in just a few swipes and clicks. The IFE also boasts a new Skymap from Betria Interactive delivering a captivating 3D experience, infused with interesting and detailed point-of-interest content that can engage the passenger in a rich and informative interactive experience. All seats offer an integrated USB port that allows passengers to power their own devices. New to the Upper Class cabin is a 24-inch touchscreen monitor over the bar showing looped animations that complement the cabin environment, as well as the option to view the innovative map on a larger screen.
But first, let me take a #SkyhighSelfie….
Virgin Atlantic is also introducing the ultimate #SkyhighSelfie, which offers customers the opportunity to update Facebook free of charge from the air. Developed in conjunction with Wavealot, this bespoke application will allow customers to check in on Facebook and share their location with their friends and followers mid-flight. The app will allow one check in per person and customers can purchase the wifi to continue the conversation.
Virgin Atlantic is also developing certain #SkyhighSelfie spots in the cabin to offer customers the chance to take the perfect "selfie" onboard and share their experience. The app will also act as a mile high discussion forum where customers on the flight can chat and spark debate in the air.
For more information, please visit the Virgin Atlantic infosite