Emirates Airline is reportedly in discussions with SpaceX to integrate Starlink’s satellite internet service across its fleet of widebody aircraft.
Emirates, known for its premium service and expansive global network, operates approximately 250 widebody jets, with over 300 additional aircraft on order from Boeing and Airbus. According to a report from Bloomberg, the airline is considering equipping its Boeing 777s—which constitute more than half of its current fleet—and the newly acquired Airbus A350s with Starlink connectivity.
While the two companies are in discussions, there are still some hurdles to overcome. One is that the Airbus A380, Emirates’ flagship double-decker aircraft, has yet to receive certification for Starlink integration. Additionally, Starlink’s service is currently unavailable over certain regions, including China and Russia—key markets for Emirates. To get around this, Emirates could implement service interruptions over these airspaces or exploring alternative solutions to ensure uninterrupted connectivity for passengers.
Another point of discussion between the two companies is the financial structure of its potential Starlink partnership. According to sources familiar with the matter, the current proposal involves a per-seat fee that applies regardless of whether the seat is occupied, raising concerns over cost efficiency for the airline. However, there is room for adjustment—SpaceX may offer reduced rates if Emirates commits to a longer contract term or agrees to equip a larger number of aircraft with Starlink hardware.
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Qatar Airways became the first airline to offer Starlink-powered in-flight Wi-Fi on a Boeing 777 flight in October 2024, delivering high-speed internet with download speeds up to 500 Mbps. Since then, the airline has rapidly expanded Starlink across its fleet, aiming to equip all Boeing 777s by mid-2025 and begin installations on Airbus A350s.
