Virgin America welcomes Netflix to skies

Today, Netflix, the world’s leading Internet TV network, and Virgin America, have joined forces to provide complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi access that allows new and existing Netflix members to enjoy the entire Netflix catalogue of films and award-winning shows.

Beginning today, Netflix users on-board Virgin America’s new ViaSat Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft will be able to stream the best programming available in the skies, including the hit series House of Cards and Orange Is The New Black, to their phones, tablets, and laptops at no cost through March 2nd, 2016.

The experience is made possible by Virgin America’s recent connectivity partnership with ViaSat, which brings significantly faster Wi-Fi to the airline’s ten new airbus A320 aircraft being delivered from fall 2015 to mid-2016.

In addition to offering free streaming through its new ViaSat Wi-Fi network, as of next month, Virgin America will also offer House of Cards seasons one-to-three for free on the airline’s recently upgraded Red touch-screen seatback in-flight entertainment platform – so travellers can binge-watch through their own devices or their seatback.

Virgin America and Netflix kick off their #NetflixOnboard partnership today with the surprise unveiling of a House of Cards and Netflix-branded aircraft and an appearance by Michael Kelly, the Emmy-nominated star of the Netflix original series House of Cards. 

Kelly’s character Doug Stamper, who serves as president Frank Underwood’s loyal consultant and Machiavellian fixer, will drop in on Virgin America Flight 1 from San Francisco International Airport to Washington Reagan National Airport.

Guests on-board the flight will be able to binge-watch Netflix content in Virgin America’s mood-lit cabin and will be treated to a signature Whiskey Whistleblower cocktail, while Kelly – as Doug Stamper – dispenses some tongue-in-cheek, morally-ambiguous political advice over the aircraft’s intercom before take-off.

“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 Wi-Fi 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 favourites 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 on-board Air Force One.”