Photo: Emirates

Emirates is the latest airline to sign with SpaceX’s Starlink service for in-flight connectivity (IFC), announcing a deal on Monday to deploy Starlink across its entire fleet. Emirates plans to install Starlink across 232 aircraft over the next two years. 

Emirates said it will operate the largest fleet of international, wide-body planes equipped with Starlink. The airline expects it will be able to install 14 aircraft per month, to complete the rollout by mid-2027. 

Emirates announced the deal on Nov. 17 during the Dubai Air Show, showing a Boeing 777-300ER equipped with Starlink at the event. This comes as part of a $5 billion fleet refurbishment program for Emirates. The airline will install two Starlink antennas on its Boeing B777s and three antennas on its Airbus A380s. 

Emirates has been a longtime customer of Inmarsat, now part of Viasat, using the GX Aviation solution. It is also a Panasonic customer. The switch to Starlink had been expected by industry analysts. 

“Partnering with Starlink is another defining moment in our continuous commitment to ensuring our customers fly better. We’re introducing the world’s fastest Wi-Fi, elevating what passengers can expect from inflight connectivity, like seamless productivity, real-time communication with loved ones, and uninterrupted connection to their digital lives,” Emirates President Tim Clark said. 

Starlink has logged a series of wins with major airlines, last week announcing a deal with Europe’s International Airlines Group including Aer Lingus and British Airways. Other large airline customers include Air France and United Airlines.