Emirates Equips 65 Aircraft With High-Speed Starlink Satellite Connectivity
Emirates has activated Starlink satellite internet across 65 aircraft in its Dubai-based fleet as part of an aggressive onboard connectivity roll-out. Air travelers across the airline’s international network will see satellite connectivity expanded to between 10 and 12 additional aircraft each month under the ongoing upgrade program.
Fleet overhaul targets 116 completed cabins by year-end ahead of 2027 Boeing deliveries
Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim confirmed to CNBC Arabia that retrofits are accelerating alongside incoming aircraft deliveries. The airline has received 20 Airbus aircraft and expects four more before the end of 2026, followed by a steady delivery rate of one Airbus plane per month throughout 2027. New Boeing aircraft deliveries are scheduled to begin in summer 2027.
Cabin upgrades are progressing concurrently across the long-haul fleet, with 104 aircraft already fully refurbished toward a target of 116 by the end of the year. According to the Emirates Group annual report for the 2025, 2026 financial year, the carrier operated 277 aircraft with an average age of 10.8 years at the end of March 2026. The expansion is backed by Dh10 billion raised through aircraft financing arrangements across domestic and international markets, including operating leases, export credit agency facilities, and insurance-backed financing.
The fleet expansion follows commitments announced during the Dubai Airshow 2025, where the carrier made additional investments worth approximately $41.4 billion at published list prices for 65 Boeing 777-9 and eight Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
