Image: Emirates
Emirates on Monday announced its largest-ever connectivity upgrade, confirming that it will roll out free, ultra-fast Starlink Wi-Fi across its entire in-service fleet beginning November 23. The move makes Emirates the world’s largest operator of Starlink-enabled wide-body aircraft and marks one of the most significant in-flight connectivity partnerships ever signed.
The confirmation follows reports over the weekend that Emirates and SpaceX were finalizing a major in-flight connectivity deal, after spending most of this year in active talks to bring Starlink aboard the airline’s global fleet.
“This morning, Emirates announced it’s rolling out free, super high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi across its entire in-service fleet starting November 23, setting a new benchmark for inflight connectivity at scale,” an Emirates representative told Tesla North in an email. They added that Emirates will offer the service “free for all customers, all cabins — no log-ins, no tiers,” and highlighted the airline’s plan to install an unprecedented “three Starlink antennae on the A380 for maximum speed and capacity.”
Image: Emirates
According to the airline, the first Starlink-equipped Boeing 777 (A6-EPF) is already on display at the Dubai Airshow, with the first commercial passenger flight using Starlink departing immediately after the event. Emirates plans to retrofit roughly 14 aircraft per month, covering all 232 of its Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 jets by mid-2027. A380 installations will begin in February 2026.
Emirates Airline President Sir Tim Clark 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.
Chad Gibbs, Vice President of Starlink Business Operations at SpaceX, added: “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.”
The Emirates partnership deepens Starlink’s rapid expansion into commercial aviation. The satellite internet provider is already being adopted by carriers like United Airlines, British Airways, WestJet, Qatar Airways, ZipAir, JSX, and others. British Airways recently announced plans to offer free Starlink Wi-Fi starting next year. Starlink is also reportedly in advanced talks for in-flight Wi-Fi with Saudi Arabia’s flagship airline.
With free, high-speed Wi-Fi across every cabin, simultaneous connectivity on seatback screens and personal devices, and industry-first multi-antenna installations, Emirates’ Starlink rollout sets a new bar for what passengers can expect at 40,000 feet.
