Emirates will deploy Starlink Wi-Fi across its entire in-service fleet, beginning with Boeing 777 aircraft in November 2025 and completing the rollout by mid-2027.
The complimentary,
ultra-fast service delivers ground-quality internet at cruising altitude,
reinforcing the airline's long-standing commitment to industry-leading inflight
connectivity.
Starlink connectivity
will enable Emirates customers to stream content, game, make calls, work, and
browse social media throughout their journey on both seatback screens and
personal devices simultaneously.
This seamless
integration delivers connected experiences at scale across all cabin classes.
Emirates plans to install Starlink on all its in-service fleet – comprising 232 aircraft in the next two years.
The airline has already equipped its first aircraft
with Starlink on A6-EPF, the Boeing 777-300ER currently on display at the Dubai
Airshow, where visitors can experience high-speed connectivity firsthand while
on the ground.
The first Emirates
commercial passenger flight with Starlink will depart immediately following the
Airshow as A6-EPF re-enters service, marking the start of an accelerated
fleet-wide rollout.
The airline will
fit-out approximately 14 aircraft per month with Starlink, with
installation on the Airbus A380 fleet commencing in February 2026.
The airline is primed
to install two antennae on each Boeing 777 aircraft, and an industry-first
three antennae on each Airbus A380, ensuring the highest levels of
connectivity, capacity and coverage across every cabin class for a better
customer experience.
Emirates will also
make Live TV over Starlink available, initially on personal devices and then on
seatback screens from late December 2025.
The Starlink Wi-Fi
service on Emirates will be free for all customers, across all cabins on
Starlink-equipped aircraft, with simple one-click access that requires no
payment or special Skywards membership.
Sir Tim Clark,
President Emirates Airline said: "Partnering with Starlink is another
defining moment in our continuous commitment to ensuring our customers ‘fly
better’. We're introducing the world's fastest Wi-Fi, elevating what passengers
can expect from inflight connectivity, like seamless productivity, real-time
communication with loved ones, and uninterrupted connection to their digital
lives. But that's just one piece of the transformation happening across our
fleet.
"Starlink is
being installed in tandem with the most ambitious cabin refurbishment programme
in aviation including brand new Premium Economy cabins, an enhanced Business
Class, refreshed First Class, expanded and upgraded entertainment system technologies,
and now, industry-leading connectivity.”
Clark added: “Emirates' philosophy is simple but
powerful: we strive to deliver consistency. While others peddle a confusing mix
of products across a varied fleet, we want all our customers to be able to
enjoy Emirates’ best products and not only on certain routes or aircraft types.
That’s why we’re investing so heavily in our retrofit programme.
“The most advanced
connectivity, exceptional cabins, extensive entertainment, and world-class
service from our talented Cabin Crew - all of these elements reflect our
substantial investment and commitment to raising the bar on what air travel
should be."
Chad Gibbs, VP of
Starlink Business Operations, SpaceX, said: “With Starlink onboard your
Emirates flight, you’ll be able to stream, game, and have seamless video calls,
just as you can do on the ground. We’re excited to transform Emirates’ travel
experience and support the rapid installation of Starlink while maintaining
focus on delivering overall quality of service.”
Starlink represents
the latest enhancement to Emirates' onboard experience, which includes over
6,500 entertainment channels, the iconic A380 Onboard Lounge, and First Class
Shower Spa.
The rollout also reflects the scale of Emirates' nearly 220 aircraft retrofit programme. To date, 76 fully refurbished aircraft have entered service featuring Premium Economy, redesigned Business Class, refreshed First Class suites, and elevated finishes throughout. -TradeArabia News Service