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Netflix Takes Off on Virgin America Wi-Fi

29 Sep, 2015 By: Stephanie Prange



Virgin America planes are allowing flyers to stream Netflix in a new partnership with the subscription streaming service.

Through March 2, Virgin will provide complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi access that allows new and existing Netflix members to enjoy the entire Netflix catalog of films and shows.

Virgin aircraft equipped with ViaSat Wi-Fi service offer Internet speeds eight to 10 times faster than other onboard systems, according to a blog post from Bill Holmes, global head of business development at Netflix.

The faster Wi-Fi will be available on the airline’s 10 new airbus A320 aircraft being delivered from fall 2015 to mid-2016. In addition, in October Virgin America will also offer “House of Cards” seasons one through three at no charge on the airline’s recently upgraded Red touch-screen seatback in-flight entertainment platform.

Virgin America and Netflix are scheduled to kick off their partnership Sept. 29 with the unveiling of a “House of Cards” and Netflix-branded aircraft and an appearance by “House of Cards” star Michael Kelly.  He is scheduled to drop in — in character as the Machiavellian Doug Stamper — on Virgin America Flight 1 from San Francisco International Airport to Washington Reagan National Airport, with flyers treated to a signature Whiskey Whistleblower cocktail.

“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,” said Abby Lunardini, Virgin America VP of brand marketing and communications. “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.”

“This advances our goal to bring Netflix to members wherever they are and whenever they want,” Holmes wrote in the blog post. “For us, the future of streaming technology is about delivering an on-demand service that takes advantage of the expansion of Wi-Fi to public places, parks and now airplanes.”
 


About the Author: Stephanie Prange


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