Emirates has announced plans to introduce onboard “ultra-fast” wifi through a deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service.
The Dubai-based company becomes the latest airline to add free Starlink wifi onboard flights, with plans to fit the technology on all 232 Boeing 777s and Airbus A380 aircraft.
Emirates said that it will start offering Starlink wifi on B777s from 23 November, with the service set to be introduced on A380s from early 2026. It will be available across all classes of travel and will not require any payment or special Skywards loyalty programme membership.
The roll-out is set to be completed by the middle of 2027, with Emirates predicting that it will be able to fit around 14 aircraft per month with Starlink technology.
Emirates added that it planned to make live TV available through Starlink – initially on passengers’ personal devices and then on seatback screens from late December.
Tim Clark, the airline’s president, said: "We're introducing the world's fastest wifi, 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.”
Emirates is also undergoing a major onboard refurbishment programme, including the addition of new premium economy cabins, as well as enhancing it business and first-class cabins.
In a separate announcement, Emirates revealed it has placed an order for 65 additional Boeing 777-9 aircraft in a deal worth $38 billion at "list" prices.