Emirates, the world's largest international airline, has announced a major expansion of its onboard Starlink satellite internet system. Currently, 33 aircraft are outfitted with the technology, and the airline aims to equip 232 aircraft by the end of 2026, significantly enhancing passenger connectivity across its fleet.
The airline's first Airbus A380 fitted with Starlink WiFi recently returned to Dubai after successful installation and certification. The service is available free of charge in all cabin classes, allowing passengers to stream, game, browse, and work during their flights. The upgraded system features three antennas on the A380, delivering more than 2 gigabits per second of bandwidth—far surpassing previous systems that offered less than 1 Mbps.
Expansion and Future Plans
Emirates' fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, with over 25 already equipped, will also receive Starlink installations throughout 2026. The airline plans to introduce live TV streaming initially on personal devices before later extending it to seatback screens. Over 650,000 passengers have traveled on Starlink-enabled flights so far, making the service a core part of Emirates' ongoing cabin refurbishment program, which includes new seating and entertainment systems.
