Emirates to launch world’s largest Starlink-enabled widebody fleet with free ultra-fast WiFi
November 17, 2025
Emirates is set to introduce what it calls the world’s fastest in-flight WiFi across its global network. The airline announced a fleet-wide rollout of Starlink connectivity, covering all 232 of its in-service Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft by mid-2027.
With this installation, the Dubai carrier will operate the world’s largest Starlink-enabled international widebody fleet. Emirates will offer ultra-high-speed internet access to all passengers free of charge.
The first commercial flight equipped with Starlink will depart on 23 November aboard a Boeing 777-300ER (registration A6-EPF), immediately after the aircraft concludes its appearance at this year’s Dubai Airshow.
The aircraft is currently parked on static display with the Starlink installation active on the ground, allowing visitors to experience the system on the aircraft.
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Emirates plans accelerated Starlink rollout across 777s and A380s
Emirates will begin Starlink installations on its Boeing 777 fleet this month, at an average rate of 14 aircraft per month. The programme will expand to the Airbus A380 fleet from February 2026, with the whole fleet completed by mid-2027.
Each Emirates Boeing 777 will be fitted with two Starlink antennae. The airline’s A380s will receive an industry-first three-antenna installation to maximise bandwidth, capacity, and global coverage. The airline says this will ensure consistently high-speed connectivity across all cabin classes.
The service will support high-bandwidth activities such as streaming, gaming, video calls and cloud-based work on both personal devices and seatback screens. Live TV delivered via Starlink will roll out first to personal electronic devices and later expand to seatback displays from late December 2025.
Access to the WiFi will be both complimentary and frictionless: a single click to connect. Interestingly, the airline will offer the free service without requiring passengers to join its for Skywards loyalty program, as other airlines have done.
Emirates positions connectivity as core to its customer strategy
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, framed the partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink as a strategic pillar of the carrier’s ongoing customer-experience overhaul.
“Partnering with Starlink is another defining moment in our continuous commitment to ensuring our customers ‘fly better’,” he said. “We’re introducing the world’s fastest WiFi, elevating what passengers can expect from in-flight connectivity, like seamless productivity, real-time communication with loved ones, and uninterrupted connection to their digital lives.”
Clark noted that the Starlink installation coincides with the airline’s multibillion-dollar cabin retrofit programme, which is adding new Premium Economy cabins, an enhanced Business Class, refreshed First Class suites, and upgraded entertainment technologies to nearly 220 aircraft.
“Emirates’ philosophy is simple but powerful: we strive to deliver consistency,” he added. “While others peddle a confusing mix of products across a varied fleet, we want all our customers to enjoy Emirates’ best products — not only on certain routes or aircraft types.”
Starlink brings ground-quality internet to long-haul travel
Chad Gibbs, VP of Starlink Business Operations at SpaceX, said Starlink’s technology is designed to replicate home-quality broadband at 30,000 feet.
“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,” Gibbs said. “We’re excited to transform Emirates’ travel experience and support the rapid installation of Starlink while maintaining focus on delivering overall quality of service.”
As the first airline to certify Starlink for the A380, Emirates sets a new benchmark for Starlink connectivity, meeting the demand of up to 615 connected passengers at any time.
Starlink is part of Emirates’ onboard-experience transformation
The airline says upgrading connectivity is essential to meeting evolving passenger expectations for always-on digital access.
The Starlink programme complements Emirates’ progress in its massive cabin retrofit effort to improve the passenger experience. Of the nearly 220 aircraft slated for the refurbishment, 76 have already re-entered service with the new cabin products, updated finishes and revised layouts.
Emirates has built its brand around offering a premium passenger experience, including its ice in-flight entertainment system that offers more than 6,500 channels of content, as well as its A380 Onboard Lounge and First Class Shower Spa.
With the Starlink-equipped A380 set to debut in early 2026, Emirates’ move reinforces the growing role of high-speed connectivity as a core differentiator in premium long-haul travel, extending it to every passenger across all cabins.
Qatar Airways claims the current largest Starlink-connected widebody fleet
Responding to the Emirates announcement, Qatar Airways has issued its own statement, noting that over 100 of its widebody aircraft (more than half of its widebody fleet) currently offer Starlink WiFi on board. The airline accelerated its Starlink installation timeline to provide passengers with the service sooner.
“Qatar Airways continues to lead the industry by setting new benchmarks with action, and not just intent. We have expedited our Starlink rollout, which is now advancing ahead of schedule as Qatar Airways brings the best travel experience to our passengers as an immediate priority, not a future ambition,” said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.
“Equipping over 100 widebody aircraft since the launch of our first Starlink-equipped flight in October 2024 reflects this commitment. We now operate up to 200 daily Starlink-connected flights to key destinations to ensure our passengers stay seamlessly connected, ensuring passengers stay seamlessly connected with speeds faster than many home WiFi services.”
Starlink makes significant gains with airlines
The two Middle Eastern carriers view Starlink WiFi as a significant passenger experience differentiator, and join a growing list of airlines around the world to select the SpaceX company for their in-flight connectivity services.
Starlink has been growing its share of the in-flight connectivity market, with United Airlines announcing the largest installation on its 1,000-aircraft fleet.
Earlier this month, IAG announced that all of its group airlines will offer high-speed Starlink WiFi, signing a deal to equip over 500 aircraft in the fleet.
However, not all carriers are opting for Starlink connectivity. Saudia, which had reportedly explored Starlink connectivity, recently selected Saudi IFC supplier Neo Space Group, which relies on SES satellite infrastructure and offers comparable connectivity speeds.
JetBlue, which was one of the first airlines to make free high-speed connectivity a key passenger experience differentiator, announced a deal with Amazon’s Project Kuiper.
