Airline Giant Emirates Purposes to Utilize SpaceX's Starlink for Onboard Internet Connectivity
In a bid to enhance passenger experience, Qatar Airways and Emirates Airline are exploring the integration of SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service on their respective fleets.
Qatar Airways has already embarked on this journey, becoming the first airline to offer Starlink-powered in-flight Wi-Fi on a commercial flight. The airline plans to equip all Boeing 777s with Starlink-powered Wi-Fi by mid-2025, and expansion includes installations on Airbus A350s.
Emirates Airline, on the other hand, is in discussions with SpaceX to integrate Starlink's satellite internet service across its fleet of widebody aircraft. The potential integration of Starlink connectivity is being considered for Boeing 777s and Airbus A350s in Emirates' fleet.
However, the broader rollout and operational use of Starlink connectivity face regulatory hurdles and certification issues. While installation on 54 Boeing 777s is reported to be complete as of July 2025, there remain challenges around Starlink not yet having full regulatory certification for inflight operations in key markets, including the UAE and potentially others in the Middle East region.
These certifications are crucial because aviation regulators require rigorous safety and interference assessments before approving satellite internet services for commercial flights. Starlink’s regulatory approvals are advancing in some Middle Eastern countries—such as Saudi Arabia, where licensing for aviation and maritime sectors was approved earlier in 2025—leading to near-deals with airlines like Saudia. However, Emirates’ situation continues to be complicated by regulatory approval issues.
Coverage from Starlink in certain regions like parts of the Middle East may have limitations, though Starlink’s satellite constellation generally offers global high-speed coverage, suitable for international long-haul flights typical of Emirates’ routes.
In summary, while Starlink has begun physical installations on Emirates aircraft, the airline’s broader plans to integrate Starlink inflight WiFi fully are currently affected by ongoing certification and regulatory approval delays, as well as considerations about traditional satellite coverage and operational feasibility in key markets. This means Emirates’ connectivity enhancement through Starlink is still in a transitional phase pending full regulatory clearance and possibly extended coverage validation.
As for the financial structure of the potential Starlink partnerships, no information is provided about potential financial structures or terms of partnership between Qatar Airways and SpaceX, or between Emirates and SpaceX. Similarly, no mention of per-seat fees, reduced rates for longer contract terms, or larger numbers of aircraft equipped with Starlink hardware has been made.
The Airbus A380, Emirates' flagship double-decker aircraft, has yet to receive certification for Starlink integration. Starlink's service is currently unavailable over certain regions, including China and Russia, which are key markets for Emirates. It remains to be seen how these factors will influence the progress of Starlink integration on these airlines' fleets.
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Technology is a key factor in Qatar Airways' plans to equip all Boeing 777s and some Airbus A350s with Starlink-powered Wi-Fi by mid-2025, while Emirates Airline is also in discussions to integrate Starlink's satellite internet service across its fleet, aiming to improve passenger experience.
The progress of Starlink integration on Qatar Airways and Emirates Airline's fleets is currently affected by ongoing regulatory approval delays and considerations about traditional satellite coverage and operational feasibility in key markets.
