Bits: BA expands Whispering Angel partnership, Virgin Atlantic accelerates Starlink wi-fi roll-out
News in brief:
British Airways expands Whispering Angel partnership
British Airways is expanding its partnership with Whispering Angel producer Chateau d’Esclans. This was launched three years ago with a Whispering Angel-branded bar in the Galleries Club lounge in Heathrow’s T5B.
It is also served onboard to Club World guests whilst Rock Angel, a premium rosé, is offered to First Class passengers.
A dedicated bar has now also been rolled out at Heathrow T3, with BA saying:
“Our brand new Whispering Angel rosé bar has arrived in Heathrow Terminal 3. Enjoy a chilled glass before your journey begins in a calm moment away from the crowds, inspired by the tranquil beauty of the Provençal vineyards. We’ve also refreshed our existing bar in Terminal 5B, so the perfect pour is never far away.”
Elsewhere, British Airways has said that the original T5B bar will emerge from a ‘stunning contemporary revamp’ later this month. This might be overstating it a touch: the biggest change appears to be the introduction of some pink fluting around the bar pedestal and a slightly smaller logo, as you can see below.
Of course, British Airways has been working on a plan to refurbish its flagship lounges at Heathrow for some time. Initially confirmed in 2024, with work due to start by the end of that year, BA has more recently said that works will start this year.
Virgin Atlantic accelerates the deployment of Starlink wi-fi
Virgin Atlantic has announced a substantial speeding up of its Starlink high-speed wi-fi installation programme.
The first aircraft is now expected to be flying in May – the orginal plan was for the autumn.
The A350 fleet will be completed first, with completion planned for ‘early summer’. The Boeing 787 fleet will follow in the second half of 2026, with 2/3rd of the 787 fleet completed by the end of the year.
The A330neo fleet will be the last to be completed, during 2027.
It’s not clear what has triggered Virgin Atlantic to speed up the programme.
It may have been taken by surprise (as we were) by British Airways rolling out its first Starlink aircraft last month, even though Virgin Atlantic was the first to announce a Starlink deal.
It’s also possible that route changes caused by the Middle East conflict have improved aircraft availability and made it easier to take planes out of service.
Whatever the reason, it is good news for passengers. Virgin Atlantic will complete the Starlink roll-out ahead of British Airways, although BA obviously has a far larger fleet to work through.
The first Starlink flight will be in ‘early May’ between Heathrow and New York. We know which flight it will be – VS153 – but not which day!