LONDON- A Virgin Atlantic (VS) Airbus A350-1000 arrived at Stansted Airport (STN) from Indianapolis International Airport (IND) on October 2, 2026, operating a special charter flight connected to the NFL London Series.
The unusual service brought the aircraft to an airport that does not normally feature in the airline’s scheduled London operations.
The flight, numbered VS632, transported the Indianapolis Colts to the United Kingdom ahead of their matchup against the Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
Virgin Atlantic has operated similar transatlantic charters for American football teams in previous years, using its long-haul aircraft to accommodate the demands of professional sports travel.
Virgin Atlantic A350 Charter
The aircraft operating the flight was an Airbus A350-1000 registered as G-VTEA and named Rosie Lee.
Flight-tracking data showed that it departed Indianapolis at 9:13 PM local time on October 1 before arriving at Stansted at 9:02 AM on October 2, following a transatlantic journey lasting approximately six hours and 49 minutes.
The aircraft had earlier operated a scheduled Virgin Atlantic service from Atlanta (ATL) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) as flight VS115.
It subsequently repositioned to Indianapolis before operating the special charter to Stansted, allowing the airline to use its existing long-haul fleet for the additional service.
The aircraft was scheduled to reposition from Stansted to Heathrow at 11:30 AM on October 2. This movement would return the jet to the airline’s principal London hub, where it could resume regular operations.
Virgin Has Operated NFL Charters Before
Virgin Atlantic has a history of operating flights associated with the NFL London Series.
In October 2023, the airline used flight number VS632 for a service from Stansted to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), following a game between the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
The airline also transported the Miami Dolphins to London in October 2021 using an Airbus A350-1000 registered as G-VNRB and named Purple Rain.
The team travelled to Stansted ahead of its game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, continuing a pattern of using widebody aircraft for international NFL travel.
These special services differ from ordinary passenger flights because teams must coordinate player transport, support staff, baggage and sports equipment.
The charter arrangement allows teams to travel together while managing the logistical requirements of an overseas game.
A350 Cabin and Equipment Aboard VS’ A350-1000
Virgin Atlantic’s Airbus A350-1000 aircraft are configured for long-haul operations and offer multiple cabin classes.
One of the airline’s configurations includes 44 Upper Class seats that convert into fully flat beds, 56 Premium seats and 235 Economy seats, providing a total of 335 passenger places.
The aircraft’s cabin capacity and long-range capability make it suitable for transatlantic sports charters, Free Press Journal reported.
NFL teams travel with substantial quantities of equipment, including helmets, protective pads and coaching communication devices, in addition to players and support personnel.
Some NFL franchises have acquired dedicated aircraft to manage their travel requirements, while others use charter services.
Virgin Atlantic’s latest A350 operation demonstrates how commercial airlines can accommodate these specialised movements alongside their scheduled passenger networks.
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