Virgin America and Netflix have announced they are joining forces to provide complimentary in-flight WiFi access that allows new and existing Netflix members to enjoy the entire catalogue of films and award-winning shows.
Netflix users onboard Virgin America’s new ViaSat WiFi-equipped aircraft will be able to stream to their phones, tablets, and laptops at no cost through March 2, 2016.
The experience is made possible by Virgin America’s recent connectivity partnership with ViaSat, which brings significantly faster WiFi to the airline’s 10 new airbus A320 aircraft being delivered from fall 2015 to mid-2016. In addition to offering free streaming through its new ViaSat WiFi network, as of next month, Virgin America will also offer House of Cards seasons 1-3 for free on the airline’s recently upgraded Red touch-screen seatback in-flight entertainment platform.
“Netflix and Virgin America are both known for their focus on innovation and for shaking up their respective industries – so we’re thrilled to team up to bring the best in technology and entertainment to the skies. These latest generation investments in our WiFi and entertainment platforms allow us to provide the largest breadth of streamed content ever available at 35,000 feet – along with entire seasons of some Netflix favorites via the Red platform,” said Abby Lunardini, Virgin America Vice President of Brand Marketing and Communications.
“We hope our guests enjoy the offering and know that even President Frank Underwood can’t get entertainment this good onboard Air Force One.”
“As WiFi becomes more ubiquitous, it’s going to be increasingly possible for members to enjoy Netflix wherever they want,” said Bill Holmes, Netflix’s global head of business development. “We’re delighted to partner with Virgin America to extend the joy of Netflix to our members at 35,000 feet.”
Virgin America also recently announced it was implementing a significant upgrade to its Red® in-flight entertainment system, The new Red Beta includes higher resolution capacitive touch screens, Android-based software that allows for faster, real-time updates, and three times more content – including full seasons of favorite television shows, more interactive maps, video games, along with the first surround-sound listening experience to be offered by an airline.
Guests on aircraft equipped with the new ViaSat WiFi service will be notified by the Virgin America in-flight team that they can access high-speed WiFi. Guests can then open their browser and login for free by selecting the “VirginAmerica” ViaSat network and will then be prompted to either login to their existing Netflix account or to create a new, 30-day free trial account, after which they will then be connected to the Netflix service. Existing account holders will be able to access Netflix through their mobile device, tablet or laptop onboard ViaSat equipped Virgin America aircraft at no additional cost through 2 March, 2016, while new members can sign up to enjoy a free 30-day free Netflix trial.
