Virgin Atlantic has finally committed to a full cabin refresh for its 787-9 Dreamliners, with the new Virgin Atlantic 787 suite upgrade now rolling out. It’s not just welcome – it’s overdue. With British Airways aiming to retrofit its entire 787 fleet with Club Suites by the end of 2026, Virgin had little choice but to act or fall behind.
The first refitted aircraft, G-VAST, entered service in July 2024. Up front is a brand-new 1-1-1 Upper Class cabin with sliding-door suites, and two front-row Retreat Suites for those wanting more space. It’s a major leap from the cramped, coffin-like herringbone layout that has lingered far too long. The updated product brings Virgin’s Dreamliners in line with its newer A330neo and A350 fleet, which already offer a far more competitive ride.
Let’s be honest – we’ve been avoiding Virgin’s 787s for a while. The inconsistency between aircraft, and the risk of ending up in a 2003-era Upper Class seat, made the likes of Delta One and even BA’s Club Suite the safer bet. In fact, BA’s first 787-8 with Club Suite quietly entered service in late June 2024, and many 787-9s, 777s and all A350s already feature the new cabin. Compared to that, Virgin’s recent rollout looked painfully slow. Despite that, BA is getting some heat over the remaining archaic Club World cabins on its 787s and A380s.
Now, though, the airline seems to be making a serious move. The full Virgin Atlantic 787 suite upgrade will run through 2027 and includes not just the new seats but also free Starlink Wi‑Fi for all passengers. Speeds are promised to be good enough for video calls and streaming, meaning passengers may finally stay connected gate to gate – and we might be able to get some proper work done!
Retreat Suites feature 27” screens and ottomans for shared dining, while the rest of Upper Class gets Bluetooth audio, wireless charging, and a sleek sliding door. Premium and Economy cabins have also had a soft refresh, though the layout remains unchanged.
Virgin is also upgrading the JFK and Heathrow Clubhouses, revamping amenity kits, and rolling out a new app and Flying Club perks. Taken together, this is a long-awaited reset. With BA, Delta, and American all modernising their cabins, the Virgin Atlantic 787 suite upgrade is more course correction than innovation – but a very necessary one.
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