With Emirates set to operate the world’s largest Starlink-enabled international wide-body fleet, it got Travel Weekly thinking about how well connected Australians are in the air with other carriers.
As a benchmark, Emirates is bringing ultra-fast connectivity to its 232 Boeing 777 and A380 aircraft with free, super high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi, starting with its first Boeing 777 commercial flight on 23 November. It will debut the world’s first Starlink-equipped A380 aircraft on November 23, and plans to install Starlink across its fleet of 232 aircraft in the next two years.
The airline has already equipped its first aircraft with Starlink on A6-EPF, the Boeing 777-300ER which was on display at the Dubai Airshow.
Current Wi-Fi plans start with text from US$2.99-$5.99 depending on the length of the flight and can rise to US$19.99 for easy connect available in selected regions. The new Starlink connectivity will enable Emirates customers to stream content, game, make calls, work, and browse social media throughout their journey on both seatback screens and personal devices simultaneously.
The first Emirates commercial passenger flight with Starlink departed following the Airshow as A6-EPF re-enters service, marking the start of an accelerated fleet-wide rollout. The airline will fit-out approximately 14 aircraft per month with Starlink, with installation on the Airbus A380 fleet commencing in February 2026.
The airline is primed to install two antennae on each Boeing 777 aircraft, and an industry-first three antennae on each Airbus A380, ensuring the highest levels of connectivity, capacity and coverage across every cabin class for a better customer experience. Emirates will also make Live TV over Starlink available, initially on personal devices and then on seatback screens from late December 2025.
The Starlink Wi-Fi service on Emirates will be free for all customers, across all cabins on Starlink-equipped aircraft, with simple one-click access that requires no payment or special Skywards membership.
“Partnering with Starlink is another defining moment in our continuous commitment to ensuring our customers ‘fly better’,” Emirates Airline preident, Sir Tim Clark, said. “We’re introducing the world’s fastest Wi-Fi, elevating what passengers can expect from inflight connectivity, like seamless productivity, real-time communication with loved ones, and uninterrupted connection to their digital lives. But that’s just one piece of the transformation happening across our fleet.
“Starlink is being installed in tandem with the most ambitious cabin refurbishment programme in aviation including brand new Premium Economy cabins, an enhanced Business Class, refreshed First Class, expanded and upgraded entertainment system technologies, and now, industry-leading connectivity.”
Chad Gibbs, VP of Starlink Business Operations, SpaceX, said with Starlink passengers will be able to stream, game, and have seamless video calls, just as you can do on the ground.
“We’re excited to transform Emirates’ travel experience and support the rapid installation of Starlink while maintaining focus on delivering overall quality of service.”
Starlink represents the latest enhancement to Emirates’ onboard experience, which includes over 6,500 entertainment channels, the iconic A380 Onboard Lounge, and First Class Shower Spa.
What other carriers have to offer
Qantas
Their free Wi-Fi rollout is via Viasat’s advanced, multi-orbit ready system, which is capable of speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Current Wi-Fi connected aircraft include the 737-800, A220-300 and a selection of A330-300 and A330-200. Aircraft without Wi-Fi include 787, A380, E190, Dash 8, F100, A319, A320 and a selection of A330-300 and A330-200. Crossing the Tasman, Wi-Fi is connected on anything other than QF3 and QF4 on the Boeing 787 aircraft.
Jetstar
From March 2026, Jetstar will be rolling out a new, improved in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi experience. If it’s available on your flight, you’ll have the option to purchase onboard. It will offer movies, TV shows, music and kids’ content, plus Jetstar TV. In-flight entertainment is included in Business Class fares. Jetstar Entertainment+ plans, available on most A320 and A321 fleet (JQ flights only), include All Access: for just $7 per device for adults and $5 per device for kids. Bring your own headphones!
Virgin Australia
Currently more than 80 per cent of Virgin Australia’s 737 fleet is equipped with Wi-Fi. By the end of 2026 calendar year, 90 per cent of the 737 fleet will be Wi-Fi equipped.
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand is trialling Starlink on domestic aircraft (an A320 and an ATR). During the trial, the Starlink Wi-Fi is free for passengers. If the trial is successful, the plan is to expand the rollout to more domestic aircraft.
Etihad
Etihad’s aircraft are also equipped with Viasat and available from gate-to-gate where permitted. All guests have access to streaming, social media, surfing and gaming onboard, in addition to live television throughout the cabin.
Qatar Airways
They are offering free Starlink Wi-Fi on Starlink-equipped aircraft. Their 777s were first, and they plan to expand to A350s too.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian now offers fast, free Starlink Wi-Fi on their Airbus fleet (A321neo and A330). They’re planning to install Starlink on their Boeing 787-9s too.
United Airlines
United is rolling out Starlink across its fleet. Free access is tied to their MileagePlus loyalty program.
Air France
They’ve begun installing Starlink tech, and are offering complimentary Wi-Fi to all passengers on equipped aircraft. Their plan is to have a big portion of their fleet equipped by end of 2026.
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
SAS is rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi to its entire fleet with the free service available for EuroBonus loyalty program members. Rollout is expected to begin end of 2025.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic announced that they will offer free Starlink Wi-Fi across their fleet with the rollout expected to be completed by end of 2027.
