Emirates, the world’s largest Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 operator, announced that it will install the Starlink satellite internet system on 232 of its planes. This is a large-scale move that represents a significant strategic investment, and the company states that it fits into the overall upgrade plan of the aircraft fleet. The first plane equipped with the system, a Boeing 777-300ER was presented to the public at the Dubai Airshow, and passengers will soon be able to experience the new Internet on a commercial flight.
The new system is based on Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink satellites that provide an extremely fast connection through antennas that are installed on the fuselage. Two antennas will be installed on Boeing 777 aircraft, while three antennas will be installed on Airbus A380 aircraft, to ensure optimal stability and reception in all parts of the aircraft. This is the first case where a three-antenna configuration is installed on an A380 aircraft and it is designed to deal with the large volume of the aircraft and the need to provide bandwidth to all passengers at the same time.
According to the company’s announcement, the installation rate will be about fourteen planes per month. Installation of the system on Airbus A380 aircraft will begin in February 2026, while Boeing 777 aircraft will be the first to receive the upgrade. The live TV that will be transmitted through the Starlink network will begin to operate gradually from December 2025, first on personal devices and later on the seat screens.
The big innovation from the point of view of the passengers is that surfing will be provided at no cost, and with just one click. Unlike in the past, when the service was paid or provided with restrictions, this time it is full and open access that will allow watching series, uploading and downloading files, network games, video calls and connecting to any online service. The connection will work both on the personal entertainment systems built into the plane and on the passengers’ private devices, which ensures a continuous experience throughout the flight.
The CEO of Emirates, Sir Tim Clark, stated that this move is an important milestone for the company. According to him, the goal is to provide a uniform service experience on every plane, so that there is no dependence on the model of the plane or its age. He added that the combination of high-speed Internet with the renovation of the cabins results in an especially high level of service, and places the company at the forefront of innovation in aviation.
SpaceX states that the Starlink network enables performance similar to a home internet experience, including a very stable connection in transitions between satellites. The company emphasizes that the project with Emirates is one of the largest applications of Starlink technology in the field of aviation, and that it is an opportunity to prove the ability to provide high-quality browsing on long-haul flights.
At the same time as upgrading connectivity, Emirates is continuing its major cabin renovation project, which includes installing a premium economy class, upgrading the business class, renewing first class suites and improving the entertainment systems. So far, seventy-six fully overhauled aircraft have been returned to service. The company emphasizes that the advanced connectivity integrates naturally with existing experiences, such as the famous lounge on A380 planes and the first class showers.
The fast connection will open wide possibilities for passengers. Those who want to work during the flight will be able to upload presentations and large files, Zoom calls will be able to be conducted in a stable manner, and leisure activities such as online games or streaming in popular applications are expected to be conducted without interruptions. The system is also designed to improve the quality of live broadcasts, which will allow watching events in real time even at an altitude of tens of thousands of feet.
With Emirates’ extensive fleet of long-haul flights to a variety of destinations, the Starlink integration is expected to impact millions of passengers per month. The move comes when the aviation world is racing to upgrade connectivity technologies, but Emirates is one of the first companies to offer free internet on such a large scale, and without conditions like membership in a customer club.
As new satellite networks enter the market, the flying experience is changing rapidly. Emirates presents an ambitious move that returns the leadership of innovation to its hands, after years when other companies tried to compete with the strength of the service experience it offers. The large-scale installation of Starlink highlights the trend: airlines are required to provide complete connectivity solutions, especially in an era where passengers expect non-stop accessibility.
The project will be accompanied by performance tests and additional infrastructure expansions, and will continue to develop with the entry of next-generation aircraft into the Emirates fleet in the coming years.