Stay connected at 35,000 feet: Emirates brings free Starlink Wi-Fi to every flight/Image: Emirates
Emirates is set to transform inflight connectivity with Starlink Wi-Fi across its entire fleet by mid-2027. Passengers will enjoy free, ultra-fast internet at cruising altitude—streaming, gaming, video calling, and browsing seamlessly on both personal devices and seatback screens. The upgrade ensures every traveler experiences unmatched connectivity alongside Emirates’ premium cabins and extensive entertainment offerings
Starlink rollout plan and fleet coverage
Emirates will begin equipping its in-service Boeing 777 aircraft with Starlink Wi-Fi in November 2025, completing the rollout across all aircraft by mid-2027. The airline’s 232-aircraft fleet will receive the installation over the next two years, with approximately 14 aircraft retrofitted each month.The first aircraft, A6-EPF, a Boeing 777-300ER, has already been fitted with Starlink and showcased at the Dubai Airshow, allowing visitors to experience the ultra-fast connectivity on the ground. The aircraft will enter commercial passenger service immediately after the Airshow, marking the official start of the fleet-wide rollout.Installation on the Airbus A380 fleet will begin in February 2026, featuring an industry-first setup of three antennae per aircraft to maximize connectivity, coverage, and capacity. Boeing 777 aircraft will receive two antennae each, ensuring consistent, high-quality Wi-Fi across all cabin classes.
Features and passenger experience
Starlink Wi-Fi on Emirates will be complimentary for all passengers, requiring only a single-click login, with no membership or payment needed. Once onboard, travelers will be able to:
- Stream movies, TV shows, and other media
- Play online games
- Conduct video calls
- Work seamlessly
- Browse social media
- Access content on both personal devices and seatback screens simultaneously
From late December 2025, Live TV over Starlink will also be available, initially on personal devices and later on seatback screens.This new connectivity is part of Emirates’ broader commitment to enhancing the inflight experience, complementing features like over 6,500 entertainment channels, the A380 Onboard Lounge, and the First Class Shower Spa.
Strategic vision and industry impact
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, emphasized the airline’s dedication to consistent, high-quality experiences across its fleet:“Partnering with Starlink is another defining moment in our continuous commitment to ensuring our customers ‘fly better’. Starlink brings the world’s fastest Wi-Fi to our passengers, enabling productivity, communication, and entertainment at cruising altitude.”Clark highlighted that the Starlink rollout coincides with Emirates’ largest cabin refurbishment programme in aviation history, which includes:
- Brand-new Premium Economy cabins
- Enhanced Business Class suites
- Refreshed First Class cabins
- Upgraded entertainment system technologies
The airline has already refurbished 76 aircraft, integrating these new cabins and elevated finishes, with nearly 220 aircraft slated for retrofit under this programme.Chad Gibbs, VP of Starlink Business Operations at SpaceX, added:“With Starlink onboard Emirates flights, passengers will have the same seamless experience they enjoy on the ground, whether streaming, gaming, or video calling. We’re proud to support Emirates’ rapid Starlink installation while maintaining service quality.”
A transformative upgrade for passengers
By combining ultra-fast, complimentary Wi-Fi with premium cabin upgrades and extensive entertainment options, Emirates aims to set a new standard for global aviation. The rollout ensures that every passenger, on any aircraft or route, can experience the airline’s most advanced connectivity and onboard amenities. Go to Source
