Dubai, November 14, 2025 — In one of the aviation industry’s most significant connectivity upgrades to date, Emirates has finalized a major partnership with SpaceX to install Starlink high-speed satellite internet across its entire fleet of 250+ widebody aircraft.
The agreement positions Emirates as one of the world’s first major global carriers to adopt the next generation of ultra-fast, low-latency satellite broadband — a major leap from traditional inflight Wi-Fi.
Revolutionizing Long-Haul Passenger Experience
With Starlink onboard, Emirates passengers on long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes will gain:
Near fiber-grade internet speeds
Low-latency connections ideal for video calls
4K streaming support
Instant messaging and faster browsing
Fewer signal dropouts over oceans and remote corridors
The airline confirmed that installation will begin in 2026, starting with its latest A350s and newly refurbished Boeing 777s.
Emirates Doubles Down on Passenger Comfort
Emirates said the move reflects its long-term strategy to deliver “the world’s best in-flight experience,” especially as competition among full-service carriers intensifies in the post-pandemic travel boom.
A senior executive from the airline noted that Starlink’s global satellite architecture is ideal for Emirates’ expansive long-haul network covering North America, Europe, Australia, and East Asia.
SpaceX Strengthens Grip on Aviation Market
For SpaceX, this marks another milestone as Starlink becomes a preferred connectivity platform for major carriers worldwide. The service is already being tested by smaller operators, but Emirates’ decision brings Starlink into the global big league — on one of the world’s largest all-widebody fleets.
A New Era of In-Flight Connectivity
Aviation analysts say this collaboration could pressure competitors like Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines to accelerate their own satellite internet upgrades.
Passengers can expect a phased rollout beginning next year, with the full fleet expected to be Starlink-enabled within the next few years.
