According to Emirates, three Starlink antennas are being installed on each A380 to deliver more than two gigabits per second of total bandwidth. The first A380 fitted with the system has already returned to Dubai after installation and certification in Newquay. Accelerated installation across the A380 fleet is scheduled throughout 2026.
The airline said more than 650,000 customers have already flown on Starlink-equipped Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, of which 25 are currently fitted. 'They will soon enjoy a transformative leap in onboard connectivity with the ability to stream, game, browse, and work throughout their journey on personal devices,' Emirates stated. Future plans include live TV streaming, initially on personal devices and later integrated into seatback screens, though a precise launch date has not been announced.
better than at home
The Starlink rollout is part of a broader refurbishment programme: the airline confirmed that 93 aircraft have been fully refurbished with premium economy cabins and upgraded business class. Emirates said the A380 configuration includes additional wireless access points and a third antenna compared with the Boeing 777, optimising connectivity for the larger aircraft. ' The airline remains committed to bringing the best possible connectivity to its entire fleet at the earliest opportunity, though timelines for other aircraft types beyond the A380 and 777-300ER have not been disclosed.
soon enjoy a transformative leap in onboard connectivity with the ability to stream, game, browse, and work throughout their journey on personal devices
Compared with the Emirates Boeing 777, the Emirates A380 features additional wireless access points and a third antenna to deliver an enhanced connectivity experience for its higher passenger capacity. Optimised inter‑deck integration supports a seamless Wi‑Fi experience, with customers able to enjoy high speeds depending on usage and device capability.
committed to bringing the best possible connectivity to its entire fleet at the earliest opportunity
The introduction of Starlink on the A380 builds on Emirates’ ongoing investment into redefining the customer journey, including one of the most ambitious retrofit programmes in aviation history.