Emirates upgrades fleet with Starlink satellite internet on 65 aircraft, plans more monthly installations

Emirates has equipped 65 aircraft with Starlink satellite internet and plans to install the service on another 10 to 12 planes every month, as the airline continues upgrading its fleet and preparing for new aircraft deliveries from 2027. The airline was progressing with aircraft deliveries, refurbishment and improvements to onboard connectivity. Emirates has introduced Starlink on 65 aircraft and plans to add the service to between 10 and 12 aircraft a month.

The airline expects to begin receiving Boeing aircraft in summer 2027 while continuing to take delivery of Airbus planes.

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Emirates plans more Airbus deliveries

Emirates has received 20 Airbus aircraft so far and expects to receive another four before the end of 2026, Kazim said. The airline plans to continue taking delivery of Airbus aircraft at a rate of one per month throughout 2027.

Alongside new aircraft, the airline is upgrading its existing fleet through a refurbishment programme. A total of 104 aircraft have already been refurbished, with Emirates targeting 116 by the end of 2026.

According to the Emirates Group's annual report for the 2025–2026 financial year, the airline operated 277 aircraft at the end of March 2026. The fleet's average age was 10.8 years.

Emirates raised Dh10 billion through aircraft financing arrangements in domestic and international markets. These included operating leases, insurance-backed financing and export credit agency facilities.

The airline also announced additional aircraft investments worth approximately $41.4 billion at published list prices during the Dubai Airshow 2025. The commitments covered 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft and eight Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

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By the end of March 2026, Emirates had an outstanding order book of 367 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled through 2038.

Strong passenger demand had helped Emirates absorb part of the increase in operating costs. The airline's operations in Egypt, where it has carried approximately 13.2 million passengers to and from the country over 40 years. Load factors on our Egypt services exceed 75 per cent despite the events in the region," he added.

The figures indicate that Emirates is continuing its fleet expansion and refurbishment while investing in onboard internet connectivity. Its planned Starlink rollout will extend satellite internet access across more aircraft, while new Airbus and Boeing deliveries will support its longer-term fleet plans.