Virgin Atlantic says it has become the first European airline to offer Wi-Fi across its entire fleet.

Passengers flying across its network between the UK and the US, Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Middle East can send emails, browse the internet and post on social media, the carrier announced.

It claimed this "ambitious programme" has been delivered "at least a year" ahead of other European long-haul carriers.

Wi-Fi will be available on all of Virgin Atlantic's 39 aircraft with packages costing from £2.99.

Mark Anderson, an executive vice president at the airline, said: "Customers flying around the world with Virgin Atlantic can work and play throughout their flight as we become the first airline in Europe to offer a fully Wi-Fi enabled fleet.

"Innovation has always been in our blood and we've worked closely with Wi-Fi providers to develop the fastest, most reliable connection across the Atlantic, and are the first carrier to offer Wi-Fi between the UK and the Caribbean, China and Africa."

In July Sir Richard Branson revealed that he is to sell his majority ownership of the airline.

Air France-KLM will acquire a 31% stake currently held by the billionaire entrepreneur's Virgin Group for £220 million.

Delta will retain its 49% share of the company, leaving Virgin Group with 20%.

The transactions are subject to a series of agreements and approvals.