Emirates has signed a deal with SpaceX’s Starlink to install in-flight Wi-Fi on its entire fleet of widebody aircraft, giving Elon Musk a major victory in the fight for connectivity among Middle Eastern airlines.
Starlink will begin operating on Emirates’ Boeing 777s later this month and Airbus A380s in February, the Dubai-based airline said on Monday. Emirates plans to equip around 14 aircraft per month, with implementation expected to be completed by mid-2027.
Bloomberg had previously reported that Emirates was about to announce the Starlink deal during the ongoing Dubai Air Show.
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Winning Emirates as a customer is crucial for SpaceX’s satellite network, as the company is the largest international airline and recognized globally for its premium service.
Qatar Airways was the first airline in the Middle East to offer Starlink, starting on flights last year. SpaceX also introduced the product to Gulf Air and Flydubai, and reached a deal with Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Bloomberg reported in August.
